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Amazing Alternatives To The New Seven Wonders Of The World 

Editorial Team
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Amazing Alternatives To The New Seven Wonders Of The World 

Though they’ve certainly been standing for a long time, not many people know that the term ‘The new seven wonders of the world‘ was actually coined in 2001, in place of the original list made more than 2000 years ago to capture the world’s most magnificent ancient sites.

While these seven ‘modern’ wonders are global must-sees in their own right, they can often get overcrowded and can be quite costly to view. That’s why today we’ve collated a list of alternative suggestions to the new wonders of the world that are just as breathtaking and bucket-list worthy.

Instead Of The Colosseum, Visit Verona Arena

Transcending the drama of ancient Rome, imbued with gladiatorial games, classical plays, and animal hunts, the Colosseum in Rome, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an iconic monument of Roman history. 

Whilst it offers an immersion into the largest amphitheatre in the world, there are many other well-preserved Roman amphitheatres that carry the same legacy. Such is the case with Verona Arena.

Built in the 1st century AD from Veronese marble and known as the third largest amphitheatre at that time, the Verona Arena has become a symbol of the city. Being able to hold up to 30,000 people, ancient entertainment, such as gladiator games, long took place here.

Today, the amphitheatre serves as a tourist attraction and a concert hall. During the day, tourists can climb to the top level and view the full stadium. At night, it’s lit and can be seen in all its spectacular glory. But that’s not all; Verona Arena is home to splendid operas and open-air performances, preserving the architecture and the spirit of the amphitheatre. 

This is the perfect spot to capture your city-dwelling ambitions and thirst for culture. Embrace the romanticism of Verona Arena in a trendy outfit featuring a long coat and black ankle boots – the ideal setting for your Instagram feed.

Photo by Danique Dohmen on Unsplash

Instead Of The Great Wall Of China, Visit The Great Wall Of India

The purpose of the Great Wall of China was to protect the Northern part of the country from invaders. The project was finished in 220 BCE under the rule of China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, spanning 13,171 miles.

While it’s definitely worth seeing, you can escape the crowds and walk in peace along another wall that’s as stunning and historically significant – the Great Wall of India.

Known as Kumbhalgarh Wall or Kumbhalgarh Fort, it is located in Rajasthan amongst mesmerising forests and mountains. Built in the 15th century, it is 20 miles long and is the second largest wall in the world. Home to about 300 ancient temples, Kumbhalgarh Wall is a truly magical place, offering immersion not only in nature but also India’s history.

Photo by Dewan Salimuddin Ahmed on Unsplash

Instead Of The Taj Mahal, Visit Humayun’s Tomb

The Taj Mahal has a heart-melting story. Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, built the temple as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631 during childbirth. 

But the Taj Mahal isn’t the only emblem of Mughal architecture that offers an awe-inspiring story. Eighty years before it was built, Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi became the first-ever mausoleum synonymous with this type of architecture and is now a UNESCO heritage site.

In the cells of Humayun’s Tomb are buried over 150 Mughal family members; it’s no surprise, then, that the garden-tomb is also called the ‘dormitory of the Mughals’. Emanating the legacy of the Mughal family, the mausoleum is hugely influential in Indian architecture and history, and a monument that’s not to be missed.

Photo by Aman Kumar on Unsplash

Instead Of Machu Picchu, Visit Kuelap

A true rival to Machu Picchu is Kuelap in Peru. Often referred to as Peru’s ‘Machu Picchu of the north’, Kuelap is located on a 3,000-metre hilltop and was formerly inhabited by the ‘cloud warriors’ of the Chachapoya culture.

What’s astonishing about Kuelap is the circular ruins on three levels containing over 550 structures. Just like Machu Picchu in Cusco is a symbol of the Incan culture, featuring intact remains of temples, homes, and plazas, Kuelap is a doorway to Chachapoya culture.

The picturesque hike to Kuelap can certainly rival the famous Incan trail to Machu Picchu. Moreover, accommodation in the area is cheaper, making it an ideal alternative to the wonder of the world.

By zysman from Getty images via Canva

Instead Of Chichén Itzá, Visit Uxmal

The Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is bestowed with ancient Mayan sites, the most famous of which is the Chichén Itzá. Impressive in size and home to a series of temples and monuments, it is most famous for the El Castillo temple, whose walls reflect the sun to form intricate serpent shapes.

But Uxmal is just as impressive, astonishing not so much in size but the intricacy of the stonework. The pyramids are nestled between the trees, creating a truly magical atmosphere. The Adivino, also known as the Temple of the Magician, is the most striking pyramid in Uxmal and the only Mayan pyramid with an elliptical shape rather than a rectilinear one.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, Uxmal is a magnificent Mayan site in the Yucatan Peninsula that offers awe-inspiring sights and fewer crowds than its more famous cousin Chichen Itza.

Read: Enjoy every moment of your trip to Tulum, Mexico

Photo by José Pablo Domínguez on Unsplash
Photo by Jorge Ramírez on Unsplash

Instead Of Petra, Visit Al-‘Ula 

Petra, the ancient city in southern Jordan that dates back to 312BC, attracts thousands of tourists with golden-hued architecture, cliff views, and the opportunity to sleep under the stars.

But Petra isn’t the only way to see how ancient civilisations lived. Al-‘Ula in Saudi Arabia was built in the 13th century and was the capital of the ancient Arab kingdom of Lihyan. This beautiful oasis prospered due to its location around fertile soil and a plentiful supply of water. 

It is believed that the prophet Muhammed passed through the oasis in 630 AD on his campaign to Tabuk. After that, the town declined, only to be rebuilt again around 1230 AD atop the former ancient city. For many years it prospered again until it was abandoned in the middle of the 20th century.

Today, Al-‘Ula is a less-known alternative to Petra, but offers a similarly fascinating window into ancient civilisations.

By Matthew Starling from Getty Images via Canva

Instead Of Christ The Redeemer, Visit Christ The Protector

For nearly a century, Christ the Redeemer has been known as the tallest statue of Jesus Christ in the world, standing more than 30 metres tall over Rio de Janeiro, on the top of Mount Corcovado in Brazil. Built in 1931, it has become an iconic symbol of Christianity and hope after the First World War.

However, in 2010, a new statue of Jesus Christ was built in Świebodzin, Poland – Christ the King. Standing 39.6 metres tall, it dwarfed Christ the Redeemer.

Today, a new world record has been set by Christ the Protector located in Encantado in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul. Completed on 22nd April 2022, Christ the Protector is now the tallest statue of Jesus Christ at 43.6 metres, echoing the Art Deco style of Christ the Redeemer but executed in more detail.

The aim of the project is to enhance tourism in the area, and you can be one of the first visitors to witness the iconic monument should you be heading to Brazil soon! What better excuse for a last minute holiday, hey?

Is Beauty Sleep A Real Thing? 8 Beauty Benefits Of Getting Enough Quality Sleep

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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Is Beauty Sleep A Real Thing? 8 Beauty Benefits Of Getting Enough Quality Sleep

In the wise words of Nietzsche, ‘sleeping is no mean art: for its sake, one must stay awake all day’. Indeed. But actually, the guy had a point. For all the huge amount of good work sleep does in repairing the ills accrued throughout the day, it’s not often given the respect it deserves.

We’re all a little guilty of jeopardising the quality of our sleep or simply not getting enough of it, whether that’s because our bedtime routine isn’t mindful enough or the stresses of the day are keeping us ceiling staring. In short, we’re an overstimulated, under-rested bunch. 

This lack of quality sleep can wreak havoc on our youthful good looks, making skin look tired, complexion pale, and our faces prone to wrinkles and bags, equally. When the fix is so simple, to sleep more, it’s surprising we’re not all doing our best to catch those all-important 8 hours each and every night. If you’re still asking if beauty sleep is a real thing, then read on; here are 8 reasons sleep is so good for your skin.

Human Growth Hormone Releases To Heal And Repair

During the first few hours of sleep, your pituitary gland releases Human Growth Hormone (HGH) which helps your skin repair itself from the stresses and damage of the day. This nightly skin tune-up acts as a reset for your skin, guaranteeing a more glowing complexion in the morning.

Melatonin As An Antioxidant

Melatonin isn’t just the hormone that makes you sleepy, it also has some pretty potent antioxidant abilities. As such, melatonin can help your skin deal with some of those skin-damaging free radicals created throughout the day.

It’s important to note here that melatonin production is adversely affected by blue light – you know that stuff coming out of your smartphone screen – so it’s a wise move to two yours to nighttime mode, or, better still, off entirely, a few hours before bedtime.

Of course, as the guys at anatomyofsleep.com tell us, your beauty sleep relies as much on the quality of your mattress as your pre-bed routine. Check out their guides on some of the best mattresses around for more on that.

Cortisol Levels Decrease To Reduce Inflammation

Cortisol is your stress hormone, and while you need some of it to give you that pep which helps you tackle the rigours of the day, ideally you want it to reduce to a low level at night, while you sleep. 

When your cortisol drops at night and while you sleep, it helps reduce the overall inflammation in your body and provides deep tension relief in the muscles of your face. And, since inflammation can show up on your face in the form of red, irritated, or blotchy skin, letting your cortisol settle down at night is a good thing.

Read: 7 IDEAL ways to maintain youthful skin

Your Body Balances Moisture Levels While You Sleep

At night, your body can help regulate and redistribute the water content of the body and skin, including making sure your face is optimally hydrated. If you’ve ever had a bout of sleeplessness, you may have noticed that your skin became dull, lacklustre, or dry. Get enough of those Zzzeds to prevent this.

Blood Flow Improves During Sleep And When You Are Well-Rested

Your body needs an optimal supply of blood to deliver all necessary oxygen and nutrients to the area, including your face. When you sleep, the blood vessels in your face dilate, allowing more blood flow than during the day. And, it’s this increased blood flow that helps you look fresh and rosy in the morning.

Reduces The Appearance Of Dark Circles Under Eyes

When you skimp on sleep, the blood vessels under the thin skin of the eye can expand and cause fluid to linger, causing your eyes to have that well known, much-feared darkened or puffy appearance. 

Get enough sleep to ward off eye bags, keep well hydrated, and if possible, sleep with your head slightly elevated to reduce extra fluid pooling under the eyes.

Your Skin Makes More Collagen And Protects Existing Fibres

Collagen is the vital skin component that gives skin its elasticity and bounce, meaning that the more collagen you have in your skin, the fewer wrinkles you’ll see forming. While you are sleeping, your skin ramps up the production of those youthful collagen fibres. What’s more, reducing the stress on your skin by sleeping well can help prevent the breakdown of your existing collagen.

Skin Cells Grow Faster When You Are Sleeping

Rapid skin cell turnover is a great way to keep your complexion looking fresh and dewy, and happens to be one of the main targets in skincare products ranging from retinoids to exfoliants, and even chemical peels. 

You can help your body launch into quicker skin cell growth and turnover by simply getting high-quality shut-eye on the regular and also by using gentle moisturisers and serums with glow-promoting ingredients like vitamins, hyaluronic acid, or retinoids (if wrinkles or acne are a problem), which are great nightly add on to up your beauty sleep game.

Oh, you thought this thing was over? 

Here’s an little added extra for you; our 10 top tips for taking your beauty sleep to the next level:

  1. Sleep on silk or satin pillowcases and sheets
  2. Elevate your head and try to sleep on your back
  3. Reduce caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol before bed
  4. Make sure the room is completely dark at night
  5. Drink plenty of water before bed
  6. Reduce use of electronics before bed or use a blue light filter
  7. Take a warm bath or shower at night
  8. Aim for getting 7-9 hours nightly
  9. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day
  10. Wash your face before bed and apply high-quality skincare products

And with that, we’re off for a nap, care to join? Actually, that sounds a little weird…

Don’t Get Me Out Of Here! 4 Junglesque Stays To Trial This Season

Editorial Team
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Don’t Get Me Out Of Here! 4 Junglesque Stays To Trial This Season

As celebrities and former politicians grace our TV screens this November to complete challenges whilst living in the rural outback all the way down under, it can leave us itching (perhaps quite literally!) to want to discover new destinations and travel the world in search of solitude and, in some cases, extreme dining.

Booking.com research has even found that 40% of UK travellers want to experience complete culture shock in 2023, and who can blame them? Be it travelling somewhere with completely different cultural experiences and languages or exploring lesser-known cities with hidden gems that aren’t already on the radar, some UK travellers even want to use it as an opportunity to learn survival skills including how to source clean water, light a fire from scratch, and forage for food in the wild.

With that in mind, Booking.com has selected the most incredible jungle stays across different destinations to consider booking for your next trip, inspired by the UK’s most-watched survival reality television show.

Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat – Crystal Creek, Australia

Located near Springbrook National Park, feel like the King or Queen of the jungle staying at the Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat right near some of your favourite celebrities.

Surrounded by the Numinbah Nature Reserve, the Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat offers effortless natural garden views showcasing acres of lush rainforest surroundings.

The Creekside Spa Cabin allows you to sit by the indoor fireplace enjoying tranquillity within the living room of this jungle retreat property. Guests can take advantage of one of four hiking trails on the property, where you’ll be surrounded by rare and endangered wildlife along with individual trees that date back to when Australia wasn’t yet discovered by the Europeans. This jungle retreat is certainly one to check off your bucket list.

Website: ccrr.com.au

El Jardin Lodge & Spa – Puerto Misahuallí, Ecuador

Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest faces east of the Andean Highlands, where a rich selection of species resides. Similar to the Australian jungle, the deep verdant rainforest is home to mammals, reptiles, and birds, as well as a thousand species of trees.

This stunning location offers unparalleled opportunities to experience the rainforest in its pristine state with local activities like river cruises, jungle trekking and local cycling that can be enjoyed by travellers.

The El Jardin Lodge & Spa is a great alternative to escape and experience the Amazon jungle; its environment blends nature, comfort and privacy effortlessly.

Guests here can sleep in El Jardin’s sustainable lodges under the trees and surrounded by the sounds of nature and the magic of the rivers, allowing guests to feel like they’re down under without the stress of a bush tucker trial!

Website: eljardinlodge.com

Mango Bay Resort – PhuQuoc, Vietnam

If you’re looking to escape from reality in 2023, the Mango Bay Resort is one to experience. The resort nestles in four acres of one of the most beautiful pristine beaches in the world.

A jungle paradise, the beachfront resort contains six private villas all designed to reflect the beauty of their tropical surroundings where guests can access a nearby private sandy beach and views of natural greenery.

Guests wouldn’t need to win a trial to enjoy the delicious South East Asian cuisine at the resort’s restaurant, which can be eaten whilst watching beautiful sunset views. All rooms and bungalows within the property offer sensational views of either the sea or the garden from terraces; you can read our full review of Mango Bay’s restaurant On The Rocks for more on that!

You can now fly directly from London to Phu Quoc Island. And trust us; you want to be booking those flights before the whole world discovers this tropical paradise.

Website: mangobayphuquoc.com

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu – Kota Kinabalu, Sri Lanka

Kota Kinabalu, known locally as ‘KK’, is and one of Booking.com’s top 10 trending destinations for 2023. A hidden gem in the bustling capital of Sabah in the Malaysian part of the island of Borneo, it is surrounded by lush rainforests and sandy beaches to give off that jungle feel. With 40% of UK travellers wishing to experience culture shock while travelling in 2023, this off-the-beaten-track destination will allow them to immerse themselves its unique tropical location.

For a modern hotel in the heart of the action, Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is situated opposite the city’s waterfront market where souvenir-hunting travellers can interact with local fruit and fish traders.

Guests can head to the ocean for snorkelling and scuba diving to face their fears or recline on one of the poolside cabanas with a cocktail after a day of challenges. This property that features local Bornean fabrics throughout, has a Booking.com Travel Sustainable badge for its efforts in sustainability, including serving organic produce at its four eateries and providing guests with free bicycle hire to explore the city.

Website: www.marriott.co.uk

Or, if you’ve got your sights set on a last minute trip before the year’s out, then check our 8 top trending holiday destinations for 2022. Bon Voyage!

A Guide To The Best Hybrid Bikes On The Market

Editorial Team
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A Guide To The Best Hybrid Bikes On The Market

Let’s face the facts here; not all bikes were created equal. And neither would we want them to be. Because in the modern world, bicycles serve a wide variety of different purposes and riders, from those keen for an efficient, traffic-negotiating commute all the way to those hardcore riders who relish a bit of à bloc.

Though the world of bicycles is one full of complex terminology, they are broadly divided into four categories; road, mountain, cruiser, and hybrid.

Road bikes are designed to be ridden on the pavement or, you guessed it, the road. They feature smoother tires and are not well suited for off-road riding, but they are perfect for zipping about in urban environments. The design helps the rider to reach faster speeds to fly through city streets and get away (relatively) quickly from a red light. Ideal, then, for the commute and the Sunday morning trip to the local Sainsbury’s for a paper.

Mountain bikes, familiar to most, are built to be ridden on more diverse, unpredictable terrain. A mountain bike is great for off-road biking and trails, gravel or dirt paths, and even work well for especially rocky paths. If you like to follow your own path (off the beaten one, that is) and have a daredevil streak which burns brightly, then this one’s for you. 

Cruisers are the type of bike that you might just recognise from the movies. You know, the ones that bare-chested young things ride on a boardwalk or near the beach in sepia-tinged shades. These types of bikes are not built for rugged ground and are harder to manoeuvre in tight spots. A cruiser is a great option for leisure riding, however.

Finally, a hybrid bike is basically a combination of a mountain and road. These bikes take the best of both and provide a great all-around bike, especially suited to commuters that may have to cover some more difficult ground along the way.

Sometimes, hybrid bikes are referred to as fitness bikes. Regardless of how you term them, these bikes are made to be as comfortable as possible for the rider while maintaining speed and ease of control. 

Additionally, hybrid bikes are perhaps the best kind for commuting as they frequently include mounting points for your racks and mudguards, allowing you to carry luggage and partially protect yourself from splash back from wet roads. 

Today, we’re considering the best hybrid bikes on the market, combining the positives of road and mountain bikes to great effect. Let’s explore further…

Best For Beginners: Cannondale Quick CX 2

We start, naturally, with a great bike for beginners. The Cannondale Quick CX 2 hybrid is the one to buy if you’re starting out as a cyclist and aren’t sure exactly what kind of cycling you intend to do. This versatile option feels fantastic on paved surfaces with slight roughness, loose gravel roads, and congested city streets. 

Ideal for those commuting in the suburbs, particularly, the Cannondale Quick is paired with a 63mm SR Suntour suspension fork, ensuring greater comfort on uneven and bumpy streets. Of course, this won’t protect you from taking the odd tumble. and for the utmost safety, it is essential to pair this purchase with a bike helmet, too! 

Best Lightweight: Jamis Coda S2

For those who prefer the comfort of a steel frame (hey, who doesn’t?), this hybrid bike is ideal. Even though the Jamis Coda S2 boasts that requisite steel, it does not feel heavy, and you can easily carry it up the stairs or load it onto a bus or train after completing some of your journey on two wheels, for a type of ‘hybrid commuting’, if you will.

The tyres here are the highly-regarded Vittoria Randonneur, and the stems are particularly easy to adjust. All this said, there is one drawback to the Jamis Coda; this bike isn’t quite as manoeuvrable as the others on our list, making it a little cumbersome on the incline.

Read: 6 of the Europe’s most cycle friendly destinations

Best For City Life: Bobbin Hummingbird Vintage Bike

The hummingbird vintage from Bobbin Bikes is lightweight, making it perfectly suited for running errands with a breezy sense of style. We don’t use the word ‘style’ lightly; this bike stands out because of its flawless gloss paint finish, colour-coordinated mudguards, and elegantly designed chain case. 

Additionally, thanks to its seven Shimano gears, the Hummingbird negotiates hills in a confident way that belies its nimble appearance. 

Boasting moustache-style handlebars that give the bike a straight and perfect arm position, it’s also a comfortable bike to enjoy some flatland cruising on, with its slimmer 700x32c tyres ensuring an agile feel while riding it. For those who love a lightness of touch, both in design and functionality, the Hummingbird could be for you.

Best Electric-Hybrid: RadRover6 Plus

The RadRover6 Plus is a good choice for those who can’t (or don’t want to) pedal for long stretches, whether that’s due to fitness concerns, an injury, or simply a desire to cruise once in a while.

This electric hybrid model boasts 750W peak power Bafang motor technology, which renders the ride quiet yet powerful. 

Of course, you can still pedal independently because the RadRover uses a pedal-assisted motor which only intervenes whenever you need to offer some additional power. With a 672Wh capacity, the battery provides adequate power for some longer rides.

Of course, if that cruising appeals to you, then perhaps an electric bike might be for you? If so, do check out these things to consider before buying an e-bike.

The Bottom Line

With something for everyone, from the keen commuter and the cruiser all the way to the adrenaline-chaser and ascent-lover, hybrid bikes are very much the future. Care to join us on two wheels?

6 Christmas Work Party Ideas In London

Editorial Team
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6 Christmas Work Party Ideas In London

‘Work Christmas party’… Do those words strike a certain amount of fear in your heart? Perhaps you’re the person who is left to organise it every year, or perhaps you’re the naysayer who doesn’t attend if you can absolutely help it? 

If you’re the one charged with planning the event, then you’re probably looking for inspiration for your Christmas work party, well aware that pretty much no-one likes organised fun. It’s a tough gig, indeed.

While you could always host the party at the office, doing so may well dampen the festive spirit before it’s even got started; it’s a sadistic person, after all, who wants to spend their free time at their place of work. And there really is no greater buzzkill than sitting at your very own desk, sipping a can and contemplating meeting some deadlines until the party’s over.

So, providing an alternative location should be an absolute must, especially if you live in London where nearly every restaurant, bar, club and park offer Christmas themed events.

Getting out there and away from the office has the power to encourage colleagues to let their hair down and foster a sense of camaraderie with their co-workers. And that’s what this is all about, right?

If you’re based in the capital, we’ve come up with some ideas for festive work parties that beat warm prosecco out of a plastic cup in the corridor. Here are 6 Christmas work party ideas in London. 

A Bottomless Brunch 

What could be more festive than drinking a glass or two of prosecco this Christmas? This is a celebratory drink, make no mistake, and Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without consuming a bottle or two (responsibly of course). 

Enter the Christmas Bottomless Brunch. Here are a few of our favourites in the capital:

  • Supa Dupa Fly: Why not try Supa Dupa Fly’s infamous R’N’Brunch Party, which takes place on the first Saturday of every month in Shoreditch? Their event on 3rd of December could be ideal for your Christmas work party. For £39.90 per person, you get access to the party, a quiz on RnB music, two courses of food, and one hour of unlimited prosecco or rum punch. The Supa Dupa Fly team even offers discounts for groups of 10 or more.
  • Barrio Bars: It’s crackers and maracas this Christmas at Barrio. They are throwing Christmas-themed bottomless lunches at their various venues throughout London. Think festive palms, glittery piñatas, and Christmas caipirinhas…the works. They also offer private rooms and exclusive hire options for full-on fiestas at all their venues.
  • The Escapologist: This popular bar in Covent Garden is throwing a, ‘Mariah Vs Buble’ bottomless brunch with Christmas bangers galore. Altogether now…‘’I don’t want a lot for Christmas’’.
  • Lucky Voice: Everybody loves karaoke (well, most-body) and Christmas time brings with it a whole new set of holiday songs which everyone always knows the words to. Lucky Voice is hosting a Christmas Karaoke Brunch at their Islington venue. Adding bottomless booze to the mix will help your work colleagues create a loose-tongued, playful atmosphere where people are more willing to sing. Altogether now…. Wait, we’ve done this one already.
  • The Cocktail Club: On the first day of Christmas, my baby gave to me… bottomless cocktails and all-round debauchery! The Cocktail Club are throwing a noughties Christmas themed bottomless brunch in their Old Street and Shoreditch venues, and we can’t wait. 

Festive Feasting Menus 

While you won’t be hard pressed to find a London restaurant offering a traditional festive menu with all the trimmings, why not mix things up and have some brighter flavours for your Christmas party in London? Here are our top pick of alternative festive menus in London: 

  • Pachamama: Pachamama’s festive menu is a rolling style service of their very best dishes picked by the chef. At Pachamama, it’s all about modern Peruvian inspired dining. Expect a procession of light, vibrant plates full of colour and zip, and they even have festive brussel sprouts, Peruvian style. The restaurant has private dining rooms in each of their venues in London, which can comfortably cater up to fourteen (hugging) guests. 
  • Brigadiers: For something a little different, why not try this excellent Indian barbecue joint? With four private dining rooms, free flow beers, giant sports screens and a party atmosphere., Brigadiers is a seriously opulent, high-class affair.
  • Korean Dinner Party: This popular Korean restaurant in Kingly Court is offering two festive menus. The first menu, named  ‘K-Town Kristmas’, involves a massive pork shoulder that’s been slow roasted for 12 hours, served with kimchi, apples and lettuce cups. Alternatively their ‘KFC – Korean Fried Christmas’ involves lots of Korean fried chicken, which should never be turned down!

Ping Pong Merrily On High

This is the year to pull out all the stops for Christmas and play a little ‘ping pong merrily on high’ with all of your work colleagues! Enter Bounce – the home of ping pong in London. 

Bounce, with venues in Old Street and Farringdon, has become something of a London institution, with Londoners heading there every night of the week for a few rounds of ping pong and a cocktail or two.

Come December, both venues get decked out for Christmas and offer festive party packages. Four tiers of Christmas ping pong packages are available, all of which include great value food and drink (think Christmas canapes like smoked salmon blinis and turkey sliders). Prices start from just £25 per person. 

Read: 12 IDEAL Michelin-starred tips for Christmas

A Christmas Pub Crawl

Is Christmas really Christmas without going to at least one pub? Well, why not go to 12 instead?

The 12 pubs of Christmas is a tradition in Ireland and the concept, as the Irish Post explains, involves numerous, often bizarre, rules. Largely, though, the idea is to ‘’visit twelve different pubs in one night, spend 30 minutes and have a drink in each, wear the ugliest Christmas jumper you own, and strictly abide by the laws of each pub”.

The rules are loosely (and by the end, we mean loosely) as follows:

Pub # 1: No names

Pub # 2: No pointing

Pub # 3: Drink your drink with the wrong hand

Pub # 4: Get a shot and move on 

Pub # 5: No swearing (pretty tough by the mid-way stage!)

Pub # 6:  Speak in an accent

Pub # 7: Waddle like a penguin from the 6th pub to the 7th

Pub # 8: Raise your pint up high and keep it there the whole time 

Pub # 9: Selfie with a stranger

Pub # 10: Play ‘Never Have I Ever’

Pub #11: Dance

Pub #12: There are no rules. Just relax and enjoy your pint

Phew.

Back in London, we think the Bermondsey Beer Mile is ideal for a Christmas pub crawl, as it boasts more than a dozen pubs in close proximity. You can choose 12 out of the 17 pubs in the area, but here’s our suggestion. 

Start at Maltby Street Market and have a pre-bar crawl beer in the market (is that strictly necessary?). Then, head on to some or all of these:

  1. Southwark Brewing Co.
  2. 80 Druid Street
  3. Hawkes Cider, 86-92 Druid Street
  4. Billy Franks Craft Beer & Snack Shack, 104 Druid Street 
  5. Hiver, 56 Stanworth Street 
  6. Anspach & Hobday, 118 Druid Street 
  7. Moor Beer, 71 Enid Street
  8. Cloudwater, 73 Enid Street 
  9. Brew By Numbers, 75-79 Enid Street 
  10. Bianca Road, 83-84 Enid Street
  11. Craft Beer Junction, 86 Enid Street 
  12. The Kernel, Arch 7, Dockley Road Industrial Estate 
  13. The Outpost – Three Hills Brewing, 7 Almond Road 
  14. Spartan, 8 Almond Road 
  15. EeBria, 15 Almond Road 
  16. Partizan, 34 Raymouth Road
  17. 650m to Fourpure, 22 Bermondsey Trading Estate

Better read our article on 5 ideal party season hangover cures for this one. 

Head to Winter Wonderland 

If you’re looking for a day out that will please all of your work family, then look no further than Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park; it really has it all. 

From ice sculptures and skating to fairground rides and stalls with mulled wine, all illuminated under sparkling Christmas lights, there’s something for everyone here. This year, Winter Wonderland is running from 19th November to 3rd January 2022, with entry available in four hour slots for just £5. Pre-booking is highly recommended, as tickets sell out fast.

A Themed Office Party 

We get it; while having your festivities somewhere other than your office sounds like a brilliant idea, your Christmas party budget may have shrunk this year because of, well, you know. 

So, if you do have to throw your Christmas party in the office this year, then a themed office party is a must. 

‘’But isn’t Christmas a theme enough?’’, we hear you ask. Well, not really; whacking on a Christmas jumper and playing Last Christmas isn’t exactly going to get the party rocking, now is it?

Indeed, this year we can do better than a prolonged party parade of ‘wear your Christmas jumper’, and er, that’s it. Instead, keep guests on their toes by throwing a curveball, and a great soiree to match.  

Dig a little deeper and get creative. There are plenty of different aspects of the festive season that you could focus on, from classic inspiration such as a Charles Dickens Christmas to more contemporary concepts like the Nightmare Before Christmas or Winter Wonderland themes. 

Check out our tips on 4 IDEAL themed Christmas party ideas over here for more inspiration!

So you can make your party one that your colleagues will remember, consider hiring a Christmas party photo booth for your office through companies like Event Rhino. Their one-of-a-kind digital photo booth, for instance, adds the option of selfies, gifs, boomerangs, and videos to your party.

Event Rhino can work with you to design and customise the interface of the booth, meaning you can even add company branding to your festive snaps. The digital content created can then be shared directly with guests via text message or uploaded to their social media. If you’ve added company branding, therein lies instant marketing, too…

And with two birds killed with a single sprout, our work here is done!

How & Why To Build A Playground In Your Back Garden

Editorial Team
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How & Why To Build A Playground In Your Back Garden

On the colder, shorter days that naturally arrive during autumn and winter, keeping little ones active can be a tough task. Activity levels tend to drop during the colder months, as children gravitate towards the warmth and comfort of inside, most often on the sofa. 

But it’s essential to keep the little ones active and outdoors, even when temperatures drop and light dims. Scientific studies consistently conclude that we should all be getting outside more during the colder months, as it’s a time when Vitamin D is more valuable than ever. 

What’s more, there are proven links between outdoor activity and brain development in kids. But if you’re a parent, you’ll know that winter can represent a bit of a struggle to get the little ones up, out of the house and active. Why not make the garden impossible to resist by constructing a playground out there?

The benefits are endless. The encouraging of unstructured play helps children foster inquisitiveness, curiosity and boundary setting, and they’ll get a good dose of exercise to boot. But that’s not all; having a playground in your garden will help nurture sociability between your children and others…what’s not to love?

With that in mind, here’s how to make a playground in your back garden.

The Right Equipment

When it comes to what sets apart a good playground from a great one, it’s undoubtedly the playground equipment. 

A great playground should of course include a swing, slide and have climbing options. Mud kitchens which encourage creative and sensory play are a great addition to any home playground.  Not only should you remember that children’s tastes change as they grow, but you’ve also got to make sure that the equipment is big enough for your kids as they grow. 

Create Different Zones 

As you’re creating your playground, consider how you can accommodate different types of play. One of the easiest ways to do this is through zoning your playground. 

Unlike most areas in your home, your garden offers plenty of freedom to be creative and adventurous, allowing you to experiment. 

One of the easiest ways of zoning areas in your playground area is to create new and contrasting levels, utilising the vertical instead of the horizontal. This is especially true if you have a smaller garden that you want to maximise space in, as building upwards rather than out won’t impact on those valuable square metres at ground level. A climbing frame, ideally with several tiers, is ideal here, particularly for those with limited garden space.

If layers and levels aren’t really your thing, you can take zoning more literally with a range of different materials to create separate, distinct areas in one all-encompassing space…  

Concrete zone 

Concrete is an essential zone in a playground garden, as it allows for plenty of creative games to be played, simply by marking them out in chalk. Think hopscotch, bullseye, alphabet hop and 4 square, for instance. 

Go a step further and use thermoplastic playground markings, which can provide an engaging and creative outlet for children during outdoor play, since you can get more intricate with your game design than you would with a stick of chalk.

Woodchip zone 

Wood chips are a popular choice for playgrounds as they have good shock absorbency, helping prevent injuries when falls inevitably occur. When it comes to choosing the right wood chips, engineered wood fibre (EWF) is the best – it’s easy to install and has a natural look. 

Sandpit zone 

For little ones, sandpits represent a whole world of possibilities! And the best thing? These zones are super easy to introduce to your garden, as pits can be portable.

Greenzone 

Be sure to keep a green space in your playground garden, replete with plants and where wildlife can thrive. Doing so will help your kids learn about wildlife and the environment. 

Growing a plant from scratch is a great way to teach your child to be nature loving. Watering and taking care of the plant until it is fully grown will prove very satisfying for both of you, and could even teach kids how to grow their own food in the future. What’s more, it fosters an understanding of the seasons and the passing of time, which is valuable for teaching many life lessons later down the line. 

Whatever the size of your garden, it has the potential to help the environment. Consider planting some flowers for bees or making a hedgehog hotel; both great ways to foster an environmentally conscious attitude in your children.  

Playground Games Galore

Whether your kids are at early years foundation stage level or are looking forward to secondary school, thermoplastic playground markings are an excellent addition to any playground garden. 

They come in a variety of captivating designs, all of which will encourage movement and activity to help young ones achieve their recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day. From hopscotch to mazes, targets to trails; there are a plethora of designs to choose from and depending on the age of the children who’ll be utilising them, you can pick the perfect option to suit.

Themes

A theme can help the playground be educational and informative rather than just the arena for a tear up. For inspiration, look at some of the most popular playgrounds around the world. 

The Diana Memorial playground, for instance, was inspired by Peter Pan and his ‘forever young’ spirit. The park includes teepees, trees, forts and a pirate ship in the middle of the playground, all of which could inspire your playground garden’s theme. 

Or, Toyko’s Nishi Rokugo park, which repurposes rubber tyres as playthings, is a wonderful way to educate the little ones about recycling. Think swings and slides made out of tyres – fantastic! Nishi Rokugo even has a giant Godzilla made out of tyres to keep watch over the park. A step too far for the domestic setting? We don’t think so.

Read: 6 amazing decorating ideas for young kids’ bedrooms

How To Clean Halloween Stains, Including Fake Blood, After Your Halloween Party

Editorial Team
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How To Clean Halloween Stains, Including Fake Blood, After Your Halloween Party


From Halloween chocolate to face paint, Halloween can lead to the scariest carpet stains that can be a nightmare to get out after the festivities have come to an end. Fortunately, carpet cleaning expert Stan Tomov from Fantastic Cleaners is on hand to offer the best tips and tricks to get the most difficult Halloween stains out of your carpets.

Fake Blood

Fake blood is an essential part of almost any Halloween costume and whilst some may think it might be a pain to clean up, it’s not as bad as you may think.

Fake blood is typically made with a combination of corn syrup and red dye, with the dye part creating the stain. The same rubbing alcohol that you might use to clean up make up stains will therefore work very well for fake blood too, since they’re both pigment-based products.

As an added bonus, the rubbing alcohol will reduce the sticky texture of the fake blood, making it far easier to clean from your carpet than expected.

Face Paint

Face paint is an essential part of Halloween; however, it can be a nightmare if dropped or spilled on your carpet. If this does happen, the most important thing to remember is to act fast if you’re to keep things properly clean! Leaving a paint or ink stain to dry will make it nearly impossible to get out completely. To get Halloween face paint out of your carpet, try these steps:

  1. Moisten the stained area with some rubbing alcohol. Blot the ink stain using a clean cloth. Do not rub the area to prevent spreading the stain!
  2. Re-wet the cloth with more alcohol and dab it over the affected area several times. Be patient! The alcohol should sit on the spot for about 30 minutes.
  3. Rinse the area with a solution made of a quarter cup of white vinegar and a quart of warm water.
  4. Once the stain is gone, rinse with clean water and let the carpet dry.
  5. Vacuum the area thoroughly.

Glitter

At almost any festive event, glitter is bound to feature, and the Halloween party is no exception. Whilst it may look nice and add a lot of fun, it can be difficult to get glitter out of a carpet. However, this simple solution that many overlook…

Simply grab a paper towel or some kitchen roll, wet it and dab it onto the carpet or rug wherever glitter has fallen. Most of the glitter will cling onto the towel and be removed easily, with a quick vacuum of the carpet clearing up any remaining bits.

Slime

For Halloween slime that may have seeped into your carpet, vinegar is your best friend. As an acid, it has the power to dissolve the slime from any fabric and prevent permanent staining.

Start by preparing a 2:1 cleaning solution of vinegar and lukewarm water in the spray bottle. You may find suggestions on pouring vinegar directly onto the stain. However, this may not be good for the carpet, especially for more delicate types. It is safer to test with a mixed solution first.

Once you pre-treat the stain and eliminate all the excess slime, generously spray the stain and let the solution work for at least 5 minutes. You should be able to notice the slime getting dissolved, and that’s when you can try scrubbing gently with the brush without pressing too hard. Then blot with the towel for absorbing the liquid.

You may have to repeat the whole procedure more than once. Feel free to repeat the process until it fully disappears. If the vinegar smell bothers you, just wash the area with water and a small amount of dishwashing liquid after you have removed the stain. Leave the newly cleaned carpet to dry or speed up the process with a hairdryer.

7 Of The Best Things To Do In & Around Chile’s Capital City Santiago

Joseph Gann
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7 Of The Best Things To Do In & Around Chile’s Capital City Santiago

You might be forgiven for thinking that the South American country of Chile, famed for being being just 110 miles wide, might lack something in terms of geographical diversity. 

How wrong you’d be; Chile is a place of scenic extremity. Stretching for over 2’500 miles north to south, it’s the longest country in the world, flanked by the Andes Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, and boasting some of the world’s longest stretches of coastline and some of the largest still-active volcanoes on the planet, accordingly. 

But that’s not all; on your holiday to Chile you’ll find epic glaciers and mountains, sprawling alpine forests, isolated coastal fjords, sun-kissed beach resorts by the bucketload, and even penguins in the far south.

With such a wealth of topographical wonder, it would be understandable if your stop-off in Chile’s capital Santiago was treated merely as a transit; a brief recharge before setting off into the country’s vast and breathtaking landscapes. But to do so would be to miss out on all that this sophisticated and suave city has to offer.

Should you be planning an extended stay in Santiago, then here are some suggestions for your itinerary; our 7 of the best things to do in and around Chile’s capital city.

Sample Santiago’s Sandwich Culture

Santiago loves a sandwich, and that’s putting things somewhat mildly. Often so heavily laden that they require a knife and fork to tackle them, sánguches are an art form here, and are treated with the same respect as a sit-down, three-course meal.

So, pull up a pew and sink your teeth into a Chilean hotdog, the completo, which is topped with sauerkraut, avocado, tomato, mayo, green sauce and a whole host of other treats. It’s a fully loaded affair and deserving of a bib. Or, why not sample a churrasco marino? Here, fried fish rubs shoulders with avocado, tomato and coleslaw in a floury bap, and it is as delicious as it sounds.

If you’re in Santiago on the search for sarnies, it’s all about following your nose and eyes. Every street corner has a dedicated sangucherìa slinging the good stuff; all you have to do is look for the longest queues!

Read: The 10 best sandwiches in the world and where to eat them

Check Out The City’s Hugely Creative Restaurant Scene

It would be remiss of us to stop at sandwiches in our round-up of the best things to do in Santiago, however good they are in the city. 

Chile’s capital is also home to a cutting-edge fine dining scene, with several entries in the influential Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants awards. Flying the flag for indigenous Mapuche cuisine and its ingredients is Boragó, one of the most inventive restaurants anywhere on the planet. 

Sat in the foothills of the Cerro Manquehue mountain, much of what ends up on the plate here is foraged by a team of 200, and native only to Chile. Having worked at Noma (hey, who hasn’t at this stage?), chef Rodolfo Guzmán brings plenty of delicate, inventive flare to these ingredients, which very much remain the star of the show. 

Whilst it’s certainly not cheap, at $126.000 CLP (around £115) for the tasting menu alone, the restaurant represents a fascinating insight into ingredients you’ll likely not taste anywhere else in the world. If you’re to have one meal (apart from a sandwich) here, make it Boragó.

Admire The Incredible Street Art

You’ll see graffiti everywhere in downtown Santiago, but a crudely drawn cock’n’balls this ain’t. This is street art, make no mistake, with a proud tradition of protest against the military rule of Gen Augusto Pinochet in the 1970s. Modern iterations in the city remain resolutely anti-government, with the 2021 legalising of gay marriage celebrated vibrantly across Santiago via artistic expression.

If you’re wondering where to see some of the best street art in the city, check out the Culture Trip’s useful round-up here.

Photo by Evelyn on Unsplash

Visit The World’s Largest Swimming Pool In Algarrobo

Whilst we’re loathe to leave this fantastic city, even for a day trip, there’s good reason to take the two hour train west to the popular summer resort Algarrobo, which sits invitingly on the Pacific Coast. This is where santiaguinos and santiaguinas head for a weekend by-the-sea, sure, but there’s another attraction that draws in the crowds; Algarrobo is home to the world’s largest swimming pool!

Overlooking the ocean, the pool stretches for nearly 1’000 metres in length and covers 20 acres, following the curvature of the beach below. It’s an impressive sight, even more so when you’re actually immersed in the water. Just be warned; it reaches a depth of 35 metres… Wow!

Go Wine Tasting In The Maule Valley

Chile is revered worldwide for its wine, and some of its most famous producers are found in the surrounding countryside outside of Santiago. The Maule Valley, perhaps Chile’s most prolific (and certainly its oldest) wine region, is 150 miles south of the capital, and boasts a whopping 15 wineries. No wonder it’s been nicknamed ‘the cradle of Chilean wine’. 

Take a dedicated tour from Santiago to one or several of the region’s vineyards, or enjoy ‘wiking’ your way through a portion of the valley. Either way, you won’t want to drive for this one!

Scale Cerro San Cristóbal, Santiago’s Central, Towering Park

Back in Santiago, you’ll notice the city is replete with green spaces for rest and play, the largest and most significant of which is Cerro San Cristóbal, Santiago’s central park. 

We say central due to its importance to the city, but the park is actually found in Santiago’s northern quarter. We say park, but really, Cerro San Cristóbal is a hill sitting 300 metres above the city and providing incredible views below. 

Either hike to the top, which takes around an hour, or take a cable car, which takes considerably less time and is a pretty thrilling experience to boot. At the summit, you’ll find a zoo, botanical gardens, open-air swimming pools and so much more. 

For another Santiago hill experience, don’t miss out on Cerro Saint Lucia, which is a little more rugged and intimate, and no worse for it.

Explore Chile’s History Via The City’s Wealth Of Excellent Museums

Santiago has been one of Latin America’s most important financial and cultural centres for centuries. The city has also endured a troubled recent history, yet remains a resilient, often revolutionary place. 

It’s no surprise, then, that Santiago boasts some incredible art galleries and museums, from the Museo Chileno de Arte Precolombino, which houses artworks and artefacts from pre-Columbian Central and South America, all the way to the Museo de la Bellas Artes (the Museum of Fine Arts). 

Santiago Presidential Palace, right in the centre of the city, is an impressive piece of architecture and is also free to visit, but arguably the most vital museum in Santiago is the recently opened Museo de la Memoria (Museum of Human Rights), which commemorates the victims of human rights violations during Pinochet’s brutal dictatorship.

A necessary, sometimes troubling visit, and one which details the UK’s sorry involvement. Suddenly, the vandalising of that statue doesn’t seem quite so flippant. 

How To Relax & Unwind At Home After A Long Day #WFH

Editorial Team
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How To Relax & Unwind At Home After A Long Day #WFH

It’s been a long day at work, which also happens to be home, and you need to unwind. Though the global pandemic that has defined the previous two and a half years is largely fading in the rearview mirror, its effects on the way we work are still very much in place.

In fact, in a study published in May of this year, as reported by Yahoo! Finance, it was found that ”24% of businesses planned to use increased homeworking as a permanent business model going forward”, with over 90% of respondents stating a desire to continue working remotely, at least in a hybrid fashion, for the foreseeable future.

Back in those heady, pre-pandemic days of 2019, we’d head home after work, slip into our PJs, park ourselves on the sofa and our troubles would disappear.

But things have changed immeasurably, and now it can be tough to find solace in the same space you’ve spent the whole day straining and striving. Not to worry; here at IDEAL, we’ve been doing this a long time and we’re here to help you take a load off.

Nope, we’re not going to muck in and help you meet your deadlines, but rather, we’ll offer this invaluable advice on how to unwind and relax after a long day #WFH.

Ceremoniously Shut Up Shop

Be rigorous about what time you shut up shop each day, and do so ceremoniously, even if all that means is switching on your ‘out of office’ auto reply or shutting down your laptop and putting it in its case until tomorrow. This will help you enter ‘home’ mode most succinctly. 

A Dedicated Relaxation Corner

With the computer closed and the mindset shifted into relaxation mode, it’s time to eke out a space dedicated to you and you alone.

First and foremost, the furniture you choose – or, more specifically, the chair – is going to have the biggest impact on how relaxing your dedicated ‘me time’ area ends up being.

With posture issues an ongoing problem for those still using hastily arranged home-working set-ups, furniture designed with a therapeutic angle is a good idea. Considering you’re seated and staring at their screens for long stretches each day, a chair that will cradle that hunched back and shoulders of yours is ideal.

As the guys at Sophie lift recliners tell us, a reclining chair with whole body vibration therapy, heat therapy, and different massage modes can ease those aching bones. Phwoar; we feel more relaxed just thinking about it.

Read: How to make working from home as comfortable as possible

A Glass Of Red & Some Relaxing Music

A double whammy of relaxation this one. 

If your day has been full of hustle, bustle, errands and demands, a little bit of ‘you’ time could be just what the doctor ordered, and one of the best ways to block out the business of the day is with relaxing music.  

And we’re sure we don’t need to tell you twice (we will; word count, and all that) about how relaxing a glass of wine can be. No matter how busy your day has been, sipping on a glass of red can certainly help calm you down. Couple this with some of that soothing music, and you’re in for a relaxing time indeed. 

Of course, it’s important to have some hard science to back up this claim which we think can provide…

  1. Once we thought that this was just the alcohol blocking out the day’s woes. However, as reported by the Metro, “Scientists say that plant compound resveratrol, found in red wine, helps relieve stress in the brain.’’ 
  2. Listening to relaxing music is a great way to unwind. As Time explains, music can buoy your mood and seems to “selectively activate” neurochemical systems and brain structures associated with positive mood, emotion regulation, attention and memory in ways that promote beneficial changes”
  3. Put the two together, and voila!

*disclaimer – this is purely speculation. we haven’t done any studies to prove that drinking a glass of red wine and listening to relaxing music together is relaxing – but it sounds pretty calming to us.* 

If you’re wondering what relaxing song to listen to, a team of neuroscientists have actually specified exactly which songs to listen to. In a study commissioned by Radox, it was found that listening to  ‘Weightless’ by Marconi Union (apparently the most relaxing song out there) is, incredibly, more relaxing than having a massage. 

Other relaxing songs chosen for the study are listed below, so create a playlist and pour one up…

1: Adele – Someone Like You 2: Barcelona – Please Don’t Go 3: Morcheba – Undress Me Now 4: airstream – Electra 5: Coldplay – Strawberry Swing 6: Massive Attack – Teardrop 7: Sigur Rôs – Sǣglôpur 8. Air – All I Need 9: Café Del Mar – We Can Fly 10: Jack Johnson – Upside Down 11: Moby – Porcelain 12: All Saints – Pure Shores 13: Enya – Watermark 14: Katie Melua – Nine Million Bicycles Track  15: Mozart – Canzonetta Sull’aria 16: DJ Shah – Mellomaniac (Chill Out Mix)

Now, the serious part; be careful about pouring that second glass as it’s not advisable to drink more than 14 units a week. According to the NHS, “Fourteen units is equivalent to 10 small glasses of low strength wine”. To put things into further perspective, a 750ml bottle of red wine (ABV 13.5%) contains 10 units; two bottles during the week will put you significantly over the recommended safe limit.

Unplug Your Devices

Relaxing is difficult in our digital world, and sometimes an intended period of downtime loses a fair part of its purpose if it’s simply spent staring at your device on your sofa. And don’t get us started on checking those emails while you’re not meant to be winding down for the day. 

Instead, relish the time away from your screen, full stop, and leave all devices at a safe arm’s length while you kickback.

Cook A Healthy Meal 

Preparing a healthy meal can actually be quite therapeutic. When you’ve had a busy day and your mind feels frazzled, drawing a line between the day from the evening by focusing your energy into creating your favourite dish can be hugely rewarding and relaxing. Put on a podcast, sharpen your knives, and luxuriate in some time standing up, stretching out, away from a screen and your worries.

Enjoy An Aromatherapy Bath

An aromatherapy bath with essential oils can be so relaxing, offering a whole host of stress relieving, muscle relaxing and mind soothing benefits. 

However, while the idea of a long, languid soak for hours seems wonderful on paper, many people (us, included) get bored in the tub surprisingly soon after settling in. 

Enter a waterproof portable speaker, preferably one designed with clever suction cups to ensure things stay stable and dry, and able to keep you entertained for hours in the tub if that’s your wish. Catch up on the news, listen to your favourite podcast, or sing along to your favourite tunes, all from in the bath…one of life’s greatest pleasures, we think.

Yoga & Meditation 

Give yourself some alone time at home after a long day, and take the opportunity to decompress. You can do this by taking deep breaths or doing progressive muscle relaxation exercises, and if you’re feeling particularly stressed out, consider trying yoga or meditation in your downtime. 

A daily guided meditation is another great way to tackle the endless, unhelpful rumination on the day’s issues which seems to blight bedtime. A simple, ten minute session before bed can actually trigger the body’s ‘relaxation response’ wherein heart rate and blood pressure fall, allowing you to be body-ready for sleep.

Go For A Mindful Walk

A walk is a great way to clear your mind of all that work-based clutter accumulated throughout the day, restoring a sense of relaxation in the process. Moreover, it’s a great excuse to get out and about into nature. 

The UK’s leading mental health charity, Mind, recommend reconnecting with the natural world in order to reduce stress and improve your wellbeing. And honestly, after a year of largely being stuck indoors, this is music to our ears.

Get An At-Home Massage

Though that relaxation chair with previously mentioned can certainly help with an impromptu, domestic massage, sometimes there’s nothing better than a genuine, hands-on treatment, let’s be honest.

De-stressing and decompressing from the daily grind could be a massage’s ultimate trump card. Indeed, if you’ve been having trouble unwinding after work, research has shown that deep-tissue massage therapy is the answer. 

However, it should be noted that this type of massage is for those who prefer more pressure. Nope, not that walking on the back, leaving you with more aches than you came in with type of pressure. Instead, the strokes are slow, but the fingers are pressing harder on the skin for relaxing the deep tissues. Give us some of that, please!

6 IDEAL Things To Do In Mykonos, Greece

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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6 IDEAL Things To Do In Mykonos, Greece

Sun, sea and a good dose of hedonism are just some of the many reasons hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to Mykonos every summer.  Synonymous with its buzzing nightlife and known to many as Greece’s equivalent to Ibiza, this little Cycladic Island, however, has so much more to offer than its party-hard reputation. Indeed, scratch the surface just a little and you’ll find this year-round destination has something for everyone. To help you pen your itinerary perfectly, here are 6 IDEAL things to do in Mykonos, Greece.

Spend A Day In Mykonos Old Town

Some may say that no holiday to Greece is complete without a trip to Mykonos Old Town. Known as Hóra, meaning the main town, to locals, the maze of narrow, winding streets that make up Mykonos Old Town are utterly charming. Lose yourself in its labyrinth of white-washed lanes, where every turn is a picture perfect Instagram shot, and discover boutiques, cafes, taverns and bars ripe for spending the afternoon in.

For a spot of culture, stop at the Archaeological Museum, home to a collection of ancient Greek artefacts. The Church of Paraportiani is another place as picturesque as it comes in Mykonos Old Town; no wonder, then, that it’s one of the most photographed churches in the world. Be warned,  in the high season (late May to early September), particularly between 10am-5pm when the cruise boats pull in, the narrow streets of the Hóra become congested and nearly impassable.

Enjoy Dinner & A Sunset Show In Little Venice

With it’s arcaded, balconied 18th century fishing houses sitting right at the water’s edge, if you think you’ve suddenly been transported to Italy’s famous city built on water, you’re not alone. Also known as Little Venice, Alefkandra wraps around Mykonos’ old harbour and is arguably the most charming area of ​​the entire island.

The beautiful azure blue Aegean Sea sits in front and Mykonos’ iconic white windmills behind, making Little Venice a truly striking spot. It’s also arguably the most romantic place on the island and the ideal setting to watch the sun descend with your lover. Heaven.

Perhaps our favourite place to wine and dine here is Katerina’s Bar, which serves light, fresh Greek fare. Space is at a premium on the patio (just three tables on our last visit) so book ahead and make that request if you’ve got your heart set on seeing the sun go down with your dinner. Kastro’s is great too; the dining room’s bright and airy, with spectacular views of the sea, but if you can get a table in their narrow, alley-like dining space, do so. It’s just magic.

Read: The IDEAL day out in Mykonos for foodies

Photo by Johnny Africa on Unsplash

Recline On Mykonos’ Famous Beaches

Mykonos has more than 25 beaches, most of which are covered with fine, golden sand accompanied by crystal clear, shallow water. Oh yes. However, they’re hugely variable, ranging from small to sprawling, from quiet coves to hedonistic, 24 hour wild parties on the sand, so choose wisely.

If you like an organised beach with beach bars, sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, then head to Elia, Platis Gialos, Kalo Livadi or Ornos. These ones get pretty busy, and noisy from jet skis and pumping beats, but they’re convenient and have a great energy.

Mykonos can do secluded, too. Ftelia, Fokos and Kapari never get too crowded and you can enjoy the wonder of nature in peace. Be aware that nudism is well accepted in Mykonos and there are specific beaches where birthday suit bathers can enjoy the sea and the sun without any disturbances. The nudist friendly beaches of the island are Paradise, Agios Sostis and Panormos.

For a feast on the beach, Nammos at Psarou Beach, Principote at Panormos Beach and Alemagou at Ftelia Beach all have their own restaurants offering great healthy dishes with Mediterranean menus of, primarily, fresh fish and seafood. You’ll find Mykonos villa rental available overlooking many of these pristine spots.

Revel In A Beach Party Or Two

When in Rome, as they say. Located on the southern coast of the island and attracting world-famous DJ’s, Paradise, Super Paradise, Psarou and Paraga are the ‘party beaches’, and can be the scene of things getting pretty rowdy. The parties kick off in the afternoon and keep going till dawn, with the sunset marking a notable transition from refined to raucous. It’s got to be done at least once while you’re here.

Hit The Dancefloor

Of course, there are times when you’d like to dance with shoes on your feet not sand between your toes. In Mykonos Town you will find Astra bar and Queen bar at Matoyanni Square; one of the buzziest parts of the island. At the edge of the city, Void club attracts young clubbers and offers 3 spacious levels for their entertainment. If you prefer dancing outdoors, you can go to Cavo Paradiso, the famous night club built on the rocks over Paradise Beach. The vibe everywhere is LGBTQ+ friendly and inclusive. Great stuff.

Visit The Windmills

One of the very first views that you’ll clock when coming into Mykonos port is a row of seven white windmills, built by the Venetians around the 16th century.

These windmills have become the island’s signature feature and something of an emblem of the place. As such, they represent an absolute must see if you find yourself in Mykonos. Not only is it a pleasant fifteen minute stroll from Mykonos Old Town to the windmills, but along the way you’ll pass several places to enjoy a snack and a souvenir, should you wish to take your time.

The only windmill open for the public is Mylos tou Bonni, a part of the Agricultural Museum of Mykonos where visitors can see all the machinery and tools that were used in milling in days of old. That said, the remaining six can be admired from the outside, and rest assured; they are a fantastic sight to behold (the vantage point on which they sit isn’t bad either!).

And if you’re keen to tick a few more sites off your bucket list, then check out these 5 IDEAL attractions in Mykonos well worth seeing. We’ll see you in 

10 Cheap Things To Do In Las Vegas For 2025

Travel Team
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10 Cheap Things To Do In Las Vegas For 2025
Ideal if you’re travelling to the City of Sin on a budget…

Las Vegas; it’s is a dazzling and expensive tourist destination known for its extravagant hotels, world-class casinos, and vibrant nightlife.

Luxury accommodations such as The Bellagio, The Venetian, and Caesars Palace offer opulent experiences that attract high-end clientele, including celebrities and billionaires. Gourmet dining, exclusive nightclubs, and extravagant shows add to the allure of this desert oasis, promising an unforgettable experience for those willing to splurge.

With an average trip cost of $1’924 per person for a long weekend, visitors can expect to spend around $450 per day during their stay.

While Las Vegas may not be a very budget-friendly destination, done right, there are plenty of affordable and exciting things to do in the city, especially on the Las Vegas strip. Whether you’re travelling with family or on a budget, we’ve got you covered; from admiring street performers to visiting art vending machines, here are 10 cheap things to do in Las Vegas for 2025.

Take A Stroll Down The Las Vegas Strip

Taking a stroll down the Las Vegas Strip is a budget-friendly and enjoyable activity for visitors to the city. The Strip is home to some of the world’s most iconic hotels and casinos, each with their own unique themes and attractions.

Walk the Strip – officially known as Las Vegas Boulevard – and take in the lights, sounds, and sights and even smells of the city’s famous landmarks, such as the Bellagio’s famous fountain show, the Mirage’s erupting volcano, and the Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas. The best part? All of these structures are free to admire! 

Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening, a fun night out, or simply want to experience the electric atmosphere of the city, a stroll down the Las Vegas Strip is a perfect activity that won’t break the bank.

Pro tip: The best time for Strip walking is just after sunset (around 7-8 PM), when temperatures are cooler and all the lights are coming on. Consider starting at the Mandalay Bay and walking north – this gives you a gradual reveal of the most spectacular parts of the Strip, and you can catch the public transit back south when you’re tired. Don’t forget to duck into the hotels’ shopping areas for free air conditioning during hot days!

Enjoy The Free Fountain Show At The Bellagio

The Bellagio, a renowned hotel on the Las Vegas Strip, is also the location of one of the city’s most popular free attractions – the fountain show. This breathtaking display of water, light, and music is a must-see and will leave you in awe. The show takes place every 30 minutes during the day and every 15 minutes at night, making it easily accessible for visitors. 

For the best viewing experience, position yourself directly in front of the fountains near the rail on the Strip side – avoid watching from the hotel side where your view might be partially blocked. The evening shows are choreographed to different songs each time, with favorites including ‘Viva Las Vegas’, ‘Time to Say Goodbye’, and ‘God Bless the USA’. If you’re planning dinner nearby, the patio at Mon Ami Gabi in Paris Las Vegas offers one of the best views of the fountains while you dine.

Visit The Seven Magic Mountains Art Installation

Just a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip lies the Seven Magic Mountains, a striking free public art installation created by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone. This desert art installation features seven towers of vibrantly painted, stacked boulders that rise dramatically from the desert floor, some reaching heights of over thirty feet. 

While you’ll need a car to get there (about 20 minutes south of Las Vegas), the installation itself is completely free to visit and offers incredible photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset. The stark contrast between the neon-colored rocks and the desert landscape creates a uniquely Las Vegas experience that combines art, nature, and the city’s love for the spectacular. It’s also a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the Strip, offering a peaceful desert experience that won’t cost you a dime.

Visit The Mob Museum

The Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas explores the history of organised crime in America and its impact on Las Vegas. The museum features a range of interactive exhibits, films, and artifacts that offer a unique look into the world of the Mob. Admission to the museum is affordable, clocking in at $34.95 at the time of writing, making it a great option for those looking for cheap things to do in Las Vegas.

Don’t miss the basement-level speakeasy and distillery, where you can sample Prohibition-era cocktails (additional cost, but worth it). If you’re looking to save money on admission, visit after 5 PM when tickets are discounted, or check their website for ‘Nevada Resident’ days when locals get free admission – they often don’t strictly verify residency.

The museum opens daily from 9am to 9pm.

Admire The Street Performers On Fremont Street

Fremont Street is a historic district in downtown Las Vegas that is home to a range of street performers, musicians, and artists. From acrobats to magicians, there is always something to see and enjoy on Fremont Street. This vibrant area is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening, and it is sure to provide plenty of entertainment for the whole family.

Explore The Flamingo Wildlife Habitat

Located at the Flamingo Hotel, the Wildlife Habitat is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling Las Vegas Strip. This habitat is home to a range of exotic birds, including flamingos, and it is a great place to relax and take in some beautiful wildlife. The habitat is free to visit and open to the public 24 hours a day, perfect for night owls and early birds equally!

The best time to visit is during the daily pelican feeding at 8:30 AM, where you can watch these magnificent birds dive for their breakfast. The habitat also features koi ponds, turtles, and several species of ducks, making it a surprising oasis of nature in the middle of the desert city. Pack a morning coffee and some pastries from nearby casual cafes for a peaceful breakfast among the birds.

Visit The Circus Circus Midway Games

Circus Circus is one of the oldest and most famous hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, and it is also home to a range of free attractions. One of the most popular is the Midway Games, a collection of carnival-style games and attractions that are sure to provide hours of fun for the whole family, giving you the chance to try your luck at the games or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of the Midway.

See The Eiffel Tower At Paris Las Vegas

Paris Las Vegas is a themed hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip, and it is home to a replica of the Eiffel Tower. Visitors can take a stroll around the base of the tower or ride to the top for a stunning view of the city. While there is a fee to ride to the top, simply admiring the tower from the ground is a free and enjoyable activity for those looking for cheap things to do in Las Vegas.

Take A Self-Guided Tour Of The Casinos

Las Vegas is home to some of the most famous and opulent casinos in the world, full of fancy restaurants and fabulous cocktail bars, and taking a self-guided tour of these casinos is a great way to experience the glitz and glamour of the city without breaking the bank. 

From the luxurious interiors of the Bellagio to the neon lights of the Circus Circus, there’s plenty to explore. While many visitors may try their luck at the tables while here, savvy travellers often note that online platforms offering casino deposit bonus incentives can sometimes be a more budget way to experience gaming entertainment. However, nothing quite matches the atmosphere of walking through these architectural marvels in person. 

Read: 5 IDEAL tips for eating in Vegas

Visit The Art-O-Mat Vending Machine Art Gallery

The Art-O-Mat vending machine-cum-art gallery is a unique and quirky attraction in Las Vegas. This gallery features a range of one-of-a-kind artworks that are dispensed from vintage cigarette vending machines. Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply looking for something different, the Art-O-Mat is a perfect destination for those seeking cheap and unique things to do in Las Vegas.

The Bottom Line

From self-guided casino tours to street performers on Fremont Street, there are plenty of budget-friendly activities to enjoy. Don’t break the bank on your next trip to Las Vegas. Viva!

5 IDEAL Foodie Destinations In South Africa You Need To Visit Now

Travel Team
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5 IDEAL Foodie Destinations In South Africa You Need To Visit Now

Thinking about a foodie foray into the unknown? Off the beaten path dining used to be so easy; buy a plane ticket to a setting less travelled, make a break for somewhere rural, find a path, step off it left or right and break rustic bread with locals. 

But in 2022, it seems like it’s all been done before. Your unadventurous mate from school has posted photos of snake eating in Vietnam, friends have slurped snails across the channel and enjoyed it, hell, even your nan has tucked into lamachan off the Gulf of Antalya.

Fortunately, there are still some places yet to be rendered in sepia soaked 1080px. One of those places is South Africa, a veritable feast of historic and cultural influences, fine dining and over-the-flame cooking. Time to get stuck in, then; here are 5 IDEAL foodie destinations in South Africa you need to visit now.

Johannesburg To Eat Meat (And Lots Of It)

Johannesburg is a city known for its enthusiastic predilection for meat, some of it less familiar to British palates. It’s only natural, then, for foodies to be attracted to such an exciting scene.

Indeed, the locals here love their game meat and it’s a big part of most South Africans’ diets. It’s no surprise, then, that Johannesburg is famous for its game restaurants and hunting for game meat is a popular activity among many South Africans.

The guys from HuntersHalt.com tell us that once in Johannesburg, your first stop should be the Carnivore Restaurant, a multi award winning joint offering all you can eat meat, cooked over fire and served on swords. It’s all in the name, right? Any way, it’s probably the best place to sample different types of game meat including, kudu, crocodile, giraffe, zebra and springbok.

Should you be in the mood for something less protein heavy, then check out the Neighbourgood’s Market, open every Saturday and scaling two floors full of local, seasonal fruit, veg and artisanal producers. It’s a hip, foodie happening scene, that’s for sure.

Cape Town For The Annual Street Food Festival

This festival, one of the most popular food events in the whole country, is an annual 10 day extravaganza of the good stuff. Pop-up stalls, kiosks, and food trucks cater to culinary tastes as diverse as the country’s population.

Though it’s not just the country’s traditional treats on offer here (in fact, there’s famous street food from all around the world served), the most prominent foods are those of the South African cuisine like bunny chow, vetkoek, shisa nyama, and more.

But you’d be silly to visit for this festival alone; the Mother City has so much more to offer hungry foodies. Check out our IDEAL tips for the best in Cape Town eating to help get your appetite sated.

The West Coast Highway For Seafood

Also called Route 27, the West Coast Highway is a place where seafood lovers flock from all over the country to satisfy their urge for the saline stuff. Itcthyophiles won’t be disappointed; there’s certainly no shortage of seafood restaurants that provide the finest snoek, mussels, lobsters and more along the sparkling route.

Die Strandloper and Die Strandkombuis restaurants are among the most famous. They’re known not just for their amazing seafood repertoire, but also the majestic sunset views, gentle winds, and golden sands right under your feet. If you want to keep it traditional South African (and let’s face it, why wouldn’t you?) then dishes like paella potjie, angelfish, mussels, waterblommetjie bredie, and snoek are where your focus should lie.

Read: 5 IDEAL things to do in Bloemfontein, South Africa

Cape Town For The Cheese Festival

And it’s back to South Africa’s oldest city for another foodie fiesta, this time celebrating all things queso. The Cheese Festival is a world-renowned food event that takes place in Cape Town every year in April. You’ll be introduced to South Africa’s best wine (of which there is plenty) and cheese, in addition to other foods that marry well with beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages.

The festival spans three days packed with various forms of entertainment like music, food theatres, cheese carving competitions, and watching celebrity chefs in action. While you’re there, be sure to seek out the potent, umami rich Fairview Blue Rock, as well as any South African take on mozarella. Although a relative newcomer to the cheese making world, the terroir of the country lends itself to gorgeous dairy based produce. Go get it!

Read: The Ideal Recipe For Bunny Chow – Ideal Magazine

Port Elizabeth For Sushi

Port Elizabeth is the biggest city in the Eastern Cape province, and for very good reason is regularly at the top of any tourist’s must do list. It has it all; miles of sandy beaches, lagoons that are as secluded as you like and majestic cliffs which seem to look out onto the edge of the world.

The truly unique aspect of the food scene in Port Elizabeth is their insatiable taste for sushi, with a diverse, delicious range of Japanese-inspired restaurants in the city. If we had to chose, then Fushin Sushi is one of the most highly regarded sushi restaurants in the area, with a wide offering of sushi and sashimi selections that would be up both beginner and expert sushi eaters’ alleys, in addition to their Alaskan snow crab and the Australian eel. 

And with that, we’re hungry! What’s for lunch?

How To Sleep Soundly Through The Seasonal Clock Changes

Editorial Team
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How To Sleep Soundly Through The Seasonal Clock Changes

With the autumn clock changes fast approaching, now is the ideal time to consider ways to safeguard your sleep pattern. 

This month Brits can look forward to an extra hour in bed as we wind our clocks back for Daylight Savings Time on October 30th. 

However, while that extra time in bed will be welcomed by many, for some it could have an unforeseen impact on their sleeping patterns in the weeks following, as the change in time disturbs our internal body clocks. 

Indeed, although the clocks change by just an hour, an altered sleep schedule can make you feel more tired throughout the day while also impacting the quality of the sleep you do get. Yep, the clocks changing, paired with the addition of darker nights, can easily put you out of sync.

Sleep expert at Hannah Shore, Sleep Knowledge & Researcher Manager Silentnight, explains that “our sleeping patterns are controlled by our circadian rhythm, which intuitively tells our brains and our bodies when it’s time to wake up and go to sleep”.

She adds “Other external factors, such as the amount of natural light or darkness we are exposed to, can also influence our sleep, which is why events such as clocks going back, can impact our sleeping routines”.

People may notice they feel sluggish, fatigued, or agitated for a couple of weeks following the change in time and may find it more difficult to drift off at night or wake up in the morning.

This feeling is often likened to jetlag, which also happens when external factors are out of sync with our circadian rhythms. However, while this may sound tiresome, the good news is there are things we can do to fix this and re-set out internal systems, so we can enjoy a good night’s sleep once more.

There are ways to help your body prepare and adjust to the changes. With the help of some top sleep experts, here’s how to sleep more soundly through the seasonal clock changes.

Earlier Nights: Prepare For A Better Sleep

Sally Bonser, spokesperson at Snug tells us that “it is always a good idea to be prepared for when the clocks go back, this way your body is ready for the night-time changes”.

So how can you prepare your body? “At least a week before [the clocks go back] try to go to sleep about half an hour later than you normally would, then your body will get used to sleeping a little later than normal. Each day you can extend the time backwards bit-by-bit until you reach the full hour”, Sally suggests.

Hannah from Silentnight adds; “as an adult with responsibilities, social lives, and errands to run, it’s hard to fit an early bedtime into your evening routine. It doesn’t need to be an immediate change over one night – going to bed at 9pm instead of 10pm – but try to adjust your bedtime by 10 to 15 minutes each night. This will slowly allow you adjust to the new time and help to reduce you feeling sluggish after the clocks fall back”.

Natural Light

Morning light is the key to waking up according to Hannah. Winter mornings are typically dark, so she advices to switch on a lamp on as you wake up and to venture outside and soak up the vitamin D throughout the day; especially when the sun rises.

“Natural light (even when it’s cloudy!) is brighter than the light in your house and can help suppress sleep hormones. Dawn simulating alarm clocks are a fantastic way to wake up gently, and with natural light so you’re ready to face the day” she adds.

Similarly, natural evening light is at a low level when the clocks go back. So, she suggests minimising your light exposure in the evening and opting for lamps or candles instead of “the big light”. Also, to avoid technology at least two hours prior to your bedtime. If you must use it, please ensure you have ‘sleep mode’ activated – swapping the harsh blue light for a warm yellow light on your phones display.

Read: How to feel more energised in the morning

Get Cosy For A Better Night’s Sleep

Using the wrong type of bedding can result in your body temperature making it uncomfortable to sleep, especially if your duvet is too thin during winter.

Sally suggests that “To ensure you are sleeping snug at the right temperature, invest in a duvet that can be switched over for the colder seasons. The Snug Snuggle Up 13.5 Tog Duvet is ideal for chilly nights as it is filled with lots of squishy fibres to keep you warm and cosy. Combine with the Snug Snuggle Up Pillows, which are generously filled with the same super soft fibres, for the ultimate cosy night’s sleep”.

Introduce A Night Time Routine 

If sleep is something you generally struggle with, then introducing a routine that is suited to you is the best option. The most important factor of a routine is giving your body prompts that it is time to wind down.

Sally suggests that this “could be lighting a candle, spraying a sleep mist, or dimming the lights”. She adds that “using technology in the evenings will also affect your sleep so try not to use your phone or watch TV at least an hour before you get into bed. Instead, try relaxing activities such as reading or taking a bath”.

Read: 5 IDEAL steps to the perfect bedtime routine

Don’t Overthink It

Hannah tells us that “this one is hard and is easier said than done. Try not to over think sleeping. The more we think about sleep, the less we end up having. If you lie there in bed struggling to fall asleep, you will become agitated, so change your environment and distract yourself”.

She recommends getting up, going to the sofa or to another bed in your home, reading a book or listening to a podcast until you fall asleep. And with that, we’re off to heed her advice! Good night.

Hang on, it’s the middle of the day…

How To Have A Spooky & Sustainable Halloween

Editorial Team
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How To Have A Spooky & Sustainable Halloween

One of the scariest things about Halloween is the frightful amount of waste. As reported by the Guardian, “an estimated 2,000 tonnes of plastic waste – equivalent to 83m bottles – will be generated from throwaway Halloween clothing sold by leading retailers in the UK”. And when it comes to food waste, more than half of the 24 million pumpkins carved for Halloween in Britain will not be eaten.

Since Halloween is almost upon us, to get into the spooky spirit of the season we’ve asked Recycle Now and Love Food Hate Waste to share their top tips and tricks for a more sustainable Halloween.

Sweet Wrappers

Gone trick or treating? That stash of sweets is probably crawling with plastic wrapping. The good news is that whilst these kinds of plastics can’t usually be collected for recycling from your home, sweet wrappers are now recycled alongside plastic bags and wrapping at supermarkets across the country. Find your closest participating store on our Recycling Locator: Recycle an item; just be sure to put them inside another bag and drop them off at the front of the store next time you go shopping.

Make Your Costume From Recyclable Items 

It’s easy to make costumes from recycable items. From cardboard box robots to DIY witch hats made from old bits of fabric and ghosts from old bedsheets, it’s a great time to get creative with the kids!

Reuse Costumes

There’s no shame in being the one who always comes as a zombie if you’ve already got the costume, and it saves buying new. If the kids’ costumes don’t fit them anymore why not hunt around in a charity shop, or online marketplaces to find something pre-loved? These are great places to take your outgrown costumes, too!

Rent A Costume

If you’re after something more elaborate, or you don’t want to wear the same thing as last year, another option is to rent your costume. There are lots of websites that allow you to rent fancy dress outfits, and these not only look more impressive, but they’re much kinder to the environment!

Share The Scare

If you’re hosting a party, why not set your guests the challenge of making their own recycled costumes? Offer a prize for the most creative use of recycled materials! Why not have an #unwornfridays Halloween special and share your pre-loved creations on social media?

Eat Your Pumpkins

Pumpkins are more than just a pretty jack-o-lantern, they are rich in vitamins and minerals and can be used in both sweet and savoury dishes. You can use all of your pumpkin and make the most of it. 

This pumpkin soup recipe is delicious and will make your kitchen smell lovely in the process. Here’s some other ideas on what to do with your leftover pumpkin:

  • Remove all the seeds and turn them into a smoky pumpkin seed snack in 5 simple steps.
  • Did you know that you can also freeze your pumpkin? Roast or mash the flesh before freezing in an airtight container or bag. Don’t forget to label your leftovers with the contents and date it needs to be used up to help you when you pop back to your freezer for meal inspiration.

It’s worth noting here that if you do want to eat the pumpkin then it should be within 24 hours of carving. This is because carved pumpkins are exposed to bacteria which can attach itself to pumpkin flesh once cut open.

Read:  5 IDEAL pumpkin recipes for autumn

How Do You Like Them Apples?

Bobbing for apples is a party favourite, but what about the leftovers that haven’t been bobbed? Every day, we throw away 800,000 whole apples! Apple trees take around 7-10 years to grow, using so much time, energy and resources, only to throw your apple away is rotten! Store your apples in the fridge, they will last much longer there than in a fruit bowl.

If you find yourself with an excess of apples: 

  1. Cook them in boiling water for a couple of minutes
  2. Slice them
  3. Freeze them in a single layer on a tray
  4. Pack into bags once frozen, ready to use another day.

You can take apples straight from frozen and cook them into some recipes such as cupcakes, like these fruit bowl buns and a traditional apple crumble. Apples past their best are also great in pickles.

And hey, if you’re looking for more autumnal recipe ideas using pumpkin or squash, check out these great ways to cook with butternut squash. You won’t regret it!

Road Safety 101: Why You Should Never Skip Car Servicing

Editorial Team
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Road Safety 101: Why You Should Never Skip Car Servicing

It’s recommended that you should have your car serviced for every 12’000 miles it’s driven, or annually, whichever comes first, and whilst this might seem like a lot, it’s not something that should be skipped.

Whilst not a legal requirement (though a yearly MOT for cars over three years old is), regular car servicing is essential to ensure your safety and your car’s optimal performance.

You may feel resentful at having to have your car serviced. After all, you only go to a doctor when you are ill, so why would you have a check-up when you are perfectly healthy or even suffering from a minor condition that will soon resolve itself? 

Three reasons, actually; firstly, some insurance policies or jobs require you to have regular check-ups to make sure that you are still healthy. 

Secondly, to be screened for the early onset of conditions that can be cured or well-managed as long as they are caught in good time – often before they become symptomatic in any way. 

But the main reason for ensuring that you have timely and regular services is that your car cannot heal itself – any problems will almost certainly get worse and more expensive. 

Sure, this is all conceptual, hypothetical stuff,  but if you need more convincing, let’s drill down into the finer details. Here’s why you should never skip car servicing.

Air & Oil Filters

Your car’s air and oil filters, between them, make sure that your engine works efficiently and smoothly. When the air filter becomes dirty or clogged, the air flow to the engine reduces making the engine work harder to power your car, using more fuel and possibly even leading to overheating. 

Read: How to save money on fuel in 2022

As the guys at Southwest Performance Parts elaborate, the oil filter strains out particulates and ensures that the oil circulating around the engine is free from debris – but when it gets too full of debris, it can become less efficient, allowing some particles to enter the engine where it can abrade and damage delicate engine parts. These filters are changed as standard on every service, which means that your car will run more efficiently and remain in better condition, too.

Tyre Rotation

Your tyres are a vital part of your vehicle, and it can be easy to neglect them when they are seemingly working well and running fine. But your tyres and wheels are carefully engineered to work well under optimal conditions – and these conditions can be affected by rough roads, bumps and even careless driving. 

As part of your service, the wheels and tyres will be checked for signs of damage, the tread depth will be checked for legality, and you can even have your wheels balanced and the tyres rotated and/ or aligned at the same time. Keeping your tyres healthy is absolutely vital for your continued safety when driving, and should be neglected as part of a more comprehensive car servicing.

Wheel balancing means having the weight of the car spread evenly over all four wheels, alignment means having the tyres placed at precise right angles on the axles, so they all pull forward in exactly the same direction.

Rotation refers to the practice of switching the front tyres to the back and swapping left and right tyres at the same time – this encourages the tyres to wear evenly, as the front and outside edges of the tyres suffer more wear than the back and inside edges. Both are, simply put, essential safety features for your vehicle.

The experts seem to agree. The car servicing team at Broadway Autocentres in Beaconsfield suggest that ‘’ensuring your tyres are in great nick are almost reason enough for regular servicing without other reasons’’. 

We couldn’t agree more.

You Will Save Money

Forgive our resoluteness here, but having your vehicle serviced according to the manufacturer’s guidelines will save you money in the long run. A properly serviced car uses less fuel and oil, and runs more efficiently than a poorly serviced vehicle. 

You will also be able to ask for a higher price when selling on your car as having the log book filled in by mechanics qualified to work on that make or model is seen as a positive sign and proof that you were a careful and responsible owner and driver.

And for that, we commend you!

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