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Trekking Through 6 Of The World’s Most Stunning National Parks 

Travel Team
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Trekking Through 6 Of The World’s Most Stunning National Parks 

National parks are called national for a reason. They are open to everyone, and they are a source of pride for a nation. Not just patches of land, they are vital spaces, protecting precious plant and animal life, and letting us experience the raw beauty of the natural world up close and personal. Some parks are full of history, with trails worn smooth by explorers from long ago. Others feel untouched, like a secret shared only between you and the wilderness. 

Whether you’re seeking a thrilling hike, a serene picnic, or just a moment to breathe (go on, stop holding your breath, you’re scaring us now), national parks welcome you with open arms and branches. And while beauty is in the eye of the beholder, here are some of the most stunning parks in the world.

Torres del Paine National Park (Chile) 

The Torres del Paine National Park, down in Patagonia, makes you feel small in the best possible way. Herds of guanacos (a llama’s wilder cousin) roam the grasslands. Condors circle overhead. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll glimpse a puma stalking its prey. Hikers flock here for the trails, some challenging, others more relaxed. You’ll see campers dotted across the landscape, tiny against the vastness of the park. There’s something special about falling asleep under a sky so clear, the stars feel touchable. This place reminds you that there’s a world way bigger and older than the everyday hustle, and it’s pretty spectacular. 

For those planning a trip to Torres del Paine, it’s essential to consider the season. The park is open year-round, but the peak season is from November to March when the weather is milder. Visitors should book accommodations well in advance, especially if they plan to stay in the refugios or campsites within the park. 

The W Trek and the O Circuit are popular hiking routes, with the former taking about 4-5 days and the latter around 7-10 days. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and ensure you have the necessary permits, which can be obtained from the CONAF website or local offices.

Yellowstone National Park (USA) 

Yellowstone is something else entirely. Bubbling mud pots, geysers erupting like clockwork, and waterfalls tumbling over cliffs. Underneath it all, a giant volcano slumbers – a reminder of the raw power this place holds. There are trails winding through forests, past meadows flecked with wildflowers. Bison lumber along, unconcerned, and maybe you’ll spot a bear searching for berries. The air smells crisp like pine needles, and the sky stretches out forever. It’s not a place you just visit. 

They say that Yellowstone changes you; it’s humbling, exciting, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re into hiking, camping, or just soaking in the view, Yellowstone won’t disappoint. 

When visiting Yellowstone, the first national park in the world, plan your trip with the park’s vastness in mind. It covers over 2.2 million acres, so it’s wise to prioritise which geothermal areas, like Old Faithful or the Grand Prismatic Spring, you want to see. The park has five entrances, and accommodations range from lodges to campgrounds, which should be reserved months in advance during the summer season.

Remember that wildlife is abundant and active; always keep a safe distance, especially from bison and bears. For real-time information on park conditions and closures, check the National Park Service’s Yellowstone page before and during your visit.

Sequoia National Park (USA) 

Sequoia National Park is all about the trees. Not just any trees – giant sequoias. The super tall trees that make you feel like an ant. And it’s not just the size, though. It’s the sense of time held in the deep grooves of their bark, the way the sunlight peeks through their branches like stained glass. You could spend days getting lost, though it’s not recommended you do so; folk have been known to never get found! 

There are waterfalls and meadows and mountains too, of course. But the real magic of Sequoia is in those towering behemoths. They remind you of the grand scale of the natural world, and somehow, your own place within it all. 

Many tourists like to stay at Tachi Palace, a casino resort with a hotel, which is just outside the park. It’s most famous for its bingo, which kicks off at 3pm Tuesday to Saturday. They offer spa, dining and golf getaway packages, too.

For those heading to Sequoia National Park, the best times to visit are from June to August when the snow has melted, and the trails are clear. The park is home to five of the ten largest trees in the world, including the General Sherman Tree. To fully enjoy the park, consider staying at one of the several lodges or campgrounds within the park boundaries, but book early as they fill up quickly. 

For day hikers, the Congress Trail is a must-do, offering an easy loop through the giant forest. Always check for road closures or weather conditions at the park’s website, and remember that some areas, like the Crystal Cave, require advance tickets.

Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia) 

You’ve probably heard of Dubrovnik, one of Croatia’s key tourist destinations. And if you know Dubrovnik, you’ll surely know Plitvice Lakes. The water boasts a clarity that makes it almost look fake, and there are waterfalls everywhere. You walk the wooden paths that wind around the lakes, taking in the various bodies of water, some still and some trickling. On your mind isn’t serenity, but how much you need to go to the toilet. 

Some of Plitvice’s waterfalls are small, trickling down mossy rocks. Others are huge and noisy, and you can feel the spray on your face. The park’s got a lot of trees, so it’s shady and cool even on hot days. It’s gets super crowded, admittedly, especially at the big waterfall spots, but it’s still something special. 

Visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park should be aware that the park is divided into the Upper and Lower Lakes, with different entrance points for each. The park is open year-round, but spring and fall may offer a more peaceful experience compared to the busy summer months. Tickets can be purchased online and are time-slotted to manage the number of visitors, so booking in advance is recommended.

Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking on uneven wooden paths, and note that swimming is not allowed in the lakes. To capture the beauty of the park without the crowds, consider staying overnight at one of the hotels or guesthouses nearby, allowing for an early start before day-trippers arrive.

Fiordland National Park (New Zealand)

Fiordland National Park is where Mother Nature went all out. Imagine fjords carved by ancient glaciers, their dark waters reflecting waterfalls that tumble from heights so tall they turn to mist before reaching the bottom. This is New Zealand’s largest national park, and it’s got a moody, mystical quality that makes Middle Earth comparisons inevitable. The famous Milford Sound sits here, though locals will tell you Doubtful Sound is equally spectacular with fewer tour boats photobombing your zen moment.

The park’s got personality – it rains about 200 days a year, which keeps everything impossibly green and feeds those countless waterfalls. You might spot fur seals lounging on rocks, dolphins playing in the fjords, or if you’re incredibly lucky, the rare Fiordland crested penguin waddling about. The Milford Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, takes hikers through valleys, over mountain passes, and past more waterfalls than you can shake a hiking pole at. There’s something almost prehistoric about the place, with its ancient rainforests draped in moss and ferns that look like they haven’t changed since dinosaurs roamed.

For those planning to explore Fiordland, book everything well in advance – especially if you’re tackling one of the Great Walks like the Milford, Kepler, or Routeburn tracks. These require booking through the Department of Conservation, sometimes months ahead. The weather here is famously unpredictable; pack for all four seasons regardless of when you visit. Sandflies are notorious in Fiordland (think: tiny vampires with wings), so bring insect repellent.

Most visitors base themselves in Te Anau or stay on overnight cruises in the sounds, but for those who want a bit more action after days in the wilderness, Queenstown is about 3 hours away Queenstown to Fiordland National Park and offers everything from fine dining to NZ’s casino games at SkyCity Queenstown – a nice contrast to the pristine silence of the fjords. If you’re short on time, a day cruise through Milford or Doubtful Sound still offers jaw-dropping scenery. Just remember: when it rains here (and it will), the waterfalls multiply like magic, turning the whole place into something out of a fantasy novel.

Banff National Park (Canada) 

Banff National Park is the kind of place that gets stuck in your head. If you love mountains, glaciers and lakes, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re up for a tough climb or a leisurely stroll through the woods, you’ll find something for yourself. You might spot elk grazing in a meadow, or catch a glimpse of ‘The Boss’ (no, not Bruce Springsteen, but rather, a particularly massive bear).

In Banff (the town), you’ll find cosy cafes, gear shops, and maybe even a moose wandering the streets. What could be more Canadian than that? But don’t think it’s all picture-perfect scenery. Banff has a wild side too. Snowstorms can whip through the mountains even in summer, and the forests feel vast and untamed. That’s the magic of it though. 

You should be prepared for the park’s popularity, especially during July and August. To avoid the crowds, visit in the shoulder seasons of May-June or September-October. The park requires a pass, which can be purchased online or at park entry points. 

For those looking to hike, be aware that trails range from easy walks like the Banff Legacy Trail to challenging hikes such as the Cory Pass – Mt. Edith Circuit. Wildlife is abundant, so carry bear spray and know how to use it. Accommodations are plentiful in Banff and Lake Louise, but book early, especially if you’re aiming for the iconic Fairmont hotels. Always check the Parks Canada website for the latest trail conditions and possible wildlife advisories.

Seven for the price of six? Next, check out our guide on visiting Lake Skadar, a glorious natural wonder sitting (or should that be swimming?) between Albania and Montenegro. 

These 4 Gift Ideas Will Make Your Beer Loving Friend So ‘Hoppy’

Editorial Team
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These 4 Gift Ideas Will Make Your Beer Loving Friend So ‘Hoppy’

If you are surrounded by people who enjoy drinking a cold beer from time to time (responsibly, of course), then you have probably figured out by now that they cannot be swept off their feet with just any ol’ gift that comes in a bottle or can. Nope, if originality and thoughtfulness are your watchwords when present-hunting, a six-pack simply isn’t going to cut it.

Instead, you might find inspiration in the short list we’ve compiled below, which is full of fizz, verve, hops and grains. If you’re hoping to make your friends hoppy, then check out these 4 gift ideas.

Nothing Without A Beer Cooler 

Every beer enthusiast will tell you that there’s nothing better than when their favourite beverage is served ice cold, bringing refreshment to long, hot summer days (and even a little excitement to a few winter ones, too).

For your beer loving pal, consider a top-notch beer bottle cooler, which is able to keep beers cold for a couple of hours comfortably. Complete with double walled stainless steel and copper lining inside, these coolers are vacuum sealed to trap in the air and help retain the temperature for as long as it takes to finish your beer!

A temperature-preserving case is another great option, as it will hold both bottles and cans as you keep your drinks chilled and protected from the cruel outside temperatures. People often shop for custom coozies for their beer lover friends too. These are functional and stylish, keeping both hands warm while you sip on your beverage.

The Bucket List Beer: Beer-Themed Adventures

If one of your friends or family members is truly passionate about this refreshing drink, then you should consider buying Justin Kennedy’s great book The Bucket List: Beer. Aimed at those who enjoy a beery break, and offering over one thousand exciting beer-related adventures, from pop-up beer gardens to pub crawls, brewery tours and Bavaria, this is ideal for the thirsty traveller, make no mistake.

Spiegelau IPA Glass Set

If your buddy doesn’t have enough time to go to bars and drink his, her or their favourite drink, then the least you can do is bring the bar to their house instead. And who doesn’t love sipping from a perfectly chosen glass?

The Spiegalau IPA glass has been developed to show off the complex aromatic profiles of the IPA beer style by keeping a foamy head while boosting the mouthfeel and flavour. We’re getting thirsty just thinking about it!

Northern Brewer Homebrewing Kit

A true beer lover will appreciate this type of gift because it allows them to get an insight into the creation process, which is going to make them fall in love with this drink even more. Once the preserve of dads in the 70s, now homebrewing is a hip (or should that be ‘hop’?) past time for those who are passionate about craft beer.

If your friend is keen to understand the process behind beer brewing more deeply, then a brewing kit is the ideal gift. Namely, this kit consists of everything that’s necessary in order to brew authentic, delicious craft beer at home, including a bubbler, bottle filler, tubing, a pack of the necessary IPA home brewing ingredients, brewery cleaners, and enough bottles and caps for two carriers and twelve bottles.

The Bottom Line

Should you have gotten this far and not found inspiration for a great gift, then perhaps your friend might be more of a wine drinker? But for beer aficionados, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into on our list.

5 IDEAL RECIPES FOR A MID-WEEK FISH SUPPER

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
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5 IDEAL RECIPES FOR A MID-WEEK FISH SUPPER

Not eating enough fish? You’re not the only one.  According to the NHS a healthy diet should include at least 2 portions of fish a week, including one oily. However it’s safe to say most of us don’t eat this much. So to help you eat more fish each week, here are 5 IDEAL recipes for a mid-week fish supper courtesy of our pals at The Saucy Fish Co.

ORZO PASTA SALAD WITH SALMON

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

  • 2 Salmon Fillets
  • 150g of orzo pasta
  • A handful of roquito peppers, deseeded and sliced
  • ½ red onion, finely chopped
  • Light olive oil
  • 2 ½ tbsps. fresh lime juice
  • 4cm of peeled fresh ginger, finely sliced
  • ½ tsp of sugar
  • 2 ½ tbsps. vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp. sesame oil
  • Fresh chives
  • Serves 2

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

  1. Preheat the oven to 190C and place in the two salmon fillets for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, bring a small pan of lightly salted water to the boil and place in the orzo pasta.
  2. Turn down the heat and leave the orzo cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to stop from sticking. The orzo should be a firm, chewy texture when done. Drain in a colander and rinse.  
  3. Pour a tsp of olive oil into a frying pan and add the sliced peppers and red onion, frying for around 3 minutes until soft. Once done, mix in with the orzo pasta.
  4. Blend together 3 tbsps. of olive oil with the lime juice, ginger, sugar and sliced chilli to make your sauce, gradually adding in the vegetable and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Dish out the orzo pasta into 2 separate dishes, flaking a salmon fillet over each. Drizzle the chili, lime and ginger sauce over the top and scatter with diced chives.

IDEAL Tip: Add The Saucy Fish Co.’s Salmon with Chilli, Lime and Ginger sauce to your orzo pasta salad, to up the flavour and reduce the fuss.

BASA WITH KOREAN BBQ SAUCE, WITH A SPICY QUINOA SALAD

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

  • 2 basa fillets
  • 100 grams of quinoa
  • 400ml of boiling water
  • Yellow pepper, sliced
  • Green pepper, sliced
  • Half a chilli, finely sliced, deseeded  
  • Pomegranate seeds
  • Lemon juice for drizzling  
  • Parsley, to sprinkle

For the Korean BBQ Sauce

  • 1 cup light soy sauce
  • Teaspoon of water
  • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
  • 255g cup brown sugar
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely diced
  • Tablespoon of rice wine vinegar
  • Small thumb of ginger
  • ½ tablespoon of sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to season

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

  1. Preheat the oven to 180C and cook your basa fillets for 15 minutes, or until fully heated.
  2. Rinse the quinoa and then add it to a medium saucepan, along with the water and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer.
  3. Remove from the heat after approximately 15 minutes or until all of the water has been absorbed. Let the quinoa rest for 5 minutes, then fluff.
  4. In a large serving bowl, add you green and red peppers, sliced chilli, pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of lemon juice. Add your quinoa once cooled and mix well.
  5. Serve out the quinoa salad and then place the basa fillets on top, adding a sprinkling of parsley.

To make the sauce:

  1. Combine the light soy sauce, sugar, garlic, rice wine vinegar, ginger, sesame oil, and seasoning together in a pan. Mix and then bring to boil.
  2. Whisk your cornstarch and water in a measuring jug, until the cornstarch dissolves and then add to the boiling pan, reducing the heat. Cook until the sauce is a thick consistency, for around 4/5 minutes.

SALMON, PILAF WITH A CHILLI, LIME & GINGER SAUCE

  • 2 Salmon Fillets
  • 1 cup of Long Grain Brown Rice
  • A Thumb of Ginger
  • 1 Bell Pepper, Finely Diced
  • 1 large Carrot, Finely Diced
  • ¼ cup of Peas
  • 1 Shallot, Diced
  • Chilli Sauce
  • Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp of Turmeric
  • 1 tsp of Cumin
  • 1 tsp of Paprika
  • 1 Vegetable Stock Cube
  • Quarter of a Lime, for squeezing
  • Serves 2

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

  1. Preheat the oven to 190°C, then place two salmon fillets on a baking tray and cook through.
  2. Meanwhile, fill a saucepan with vegetable stock and add the rice. Cook for 20 minutes, then drain and set aside in a bowl.  
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat. Add the ginger, shallot and chili, and fry for approximately 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add the carrot, pepper, peas and spices to this mixture, continuing to fry until everything is soft and coated in the spices. Finally, add the cooked rice, fluffing it well with a folk.
  5. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer the mixed pilaf into two bowls. Flake the cooked salmon on top, then drizzle the chili sauce over the top of everything. To finish, squeeze the lime over the top of both dishes and enjoy!

IDEAL Tip: Pair your pilaf with the Saucy Fish Co.’s Salmon with Chilli, Lime and Ginger sauce, to increase the flavour and reduce the fuss.

SALMON POKE BOWL

 

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

  • 200g of Sushi rice
  • 2 tsp of rice wine vinegar
  • 2 Salmon fillets
  • Sliced radish
  • 1 Avocado, sliced  
  • 180g  Red cabbage
  • Half a cucumber, thinly sliced  
  • 160g Edamame beans
  • 1 Chilli, finely sliced
  • Coriander
  • Chilli sauce
  • 1 lime
  • black sesame seeds

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

  1. Place the salmon in the oven for 20 mins. Once cooked through, remove and set aside
  2. Meanwhile, put your rice in a bowl and cover with cold water. Massage with hands to remove the starch, then drain and place in a saucepan. Cover with cold water and cook on a medium heat for 10 mins, placing a lid on the pan.
  3. Remove the rice from the heat and leave to steam with the lid on for another 15 mins, then add in the rice wine vinegar.
  4. Begin to assemble the poke bowls by adding a mound of rice into two bowls, and then place a salmon fillet on top of each. Top each with half an avocado, sliced cucumber, sliced radishes, red cabbage, a handful of edamame beans and sliced chilli.
  5. Drizzle chilli sauce over the top of the fillet and sprinkle black sesame seeds over everything. Finish with a little coriander, for garnish.

SMOKEY BACON & CHEESE SPIKED CLOUD EGGS, WITH SMOKED HADDOCK & SPINACH

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

  • 2 eggs
  • 2 smoked haddock fillets
  • 3 slices of streaky bacon, cut into small pieces  
  • 50g of grated cheese
  • A handful of spinach
  • Black pepper

For the cheddar and chive sauce:

  • 60ml of milk
  • 60 ml of cream
  • 1 tbsp. of butter
  • 1 tbsp. of flour
  • 1 egg yolk
  • A tsp. of chives
  • A sprinkling of cinnamon
  • 1 cup of finely grated cheddar cheese 
  • Salt and pepper, to season

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

  1. Place 2 smoked haddock fillets into a pre-heated oven (180C) and cook for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, separate your eggs and set the yolks aside.
  2. Whisk the egg whites and carefully fold in the grated cheese and bacon.
  3. Use the whisked egg mixture to create two small, raised circles on a baking try, on top of non-stick parchment paper. Make a well in the middle of each circle so you can add in the yolk later.   
  4. Put the egg mixture in the oven for approximately 5/6 minutes. Remove from the oven and place the yolks into the two wells, then put the baking tray back into the oven for approximately 3 minutes.
  5. Meanwhile, make the sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan and adding in the flour, whisking with a folk for 1 minute. Combine the milk and cream, then add to the saucepan slowly, whisking until the thick. Add in an egg yolk and cook for 30 seconds, on a low heat.
  6. Next, add in the cheese to the sauce mixture and stir until well combined. Add the cinnamon and season with salt and pepper, then remove from the heat.
  7. To finish, stack up your breakfast. Begin with a handful of spinach, then place the haddock fillet on top, drizzling the cheddar and chive sauce on top. Finish by delicately placing the cloud eggs on top…and enjoy.

Saucy Top Tip: Speed things up before Dad wakes up by using The Saucy Fish Co.’s Cook from Frozen Smoked Haddock, with Vintage Cheddar and Chive sauce.

WHAT TO DO WITH LEFTOVER ROAST LAMB: OUR 5 IDEAL DISHES

Joseph Gann
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WHAT TO DO WITH LEFTOVER ROAST LAMB: OUR 5 IDEAL DISHES

It’s one of the Great British Monday morning’s biggest mysteries; why that leftover roast lamb just feels so unappealing for the early week’s packed lunches. Chicken? Sure, you’ll be great in a sarnie, or as part of an impromptu salad. Cold roast beef? Pass me the horseradish and stop asking questions. But cold lamb, with fat congealed and condiments less obvious, has the country’s collective consciousness scratching its head and reaching for the compost bin (don’t do that by the way). Instead, listen to these; what to do with leftover roast lamb; our 5 IDEAL dishes.

A word on storage and reheating. The roast lamb should be cooled at room temperature before it goes into the fridge (that will have happened around the Sunday Roast table no doubt). It’ll keep for three or four days in there. When you do need to use it for one of our great dishes, make sure you reheat it thoroughly and completely.

SHEPHERD’S PIE

Sure, it’s a predictable choice, and one which perhaps doesn’t even require a paragraph devoted to it, but it’s a classic for a reason; us Brits just love a Shepherd’s Pie and we always have some leftover meat from our Sunday Roast. The rest writes itself (we wish it did, actually).

So, shred down that leftover lamb, or mince in the food processor (though be careful, this can quickly turn to a lamb paste…and no one wants that). Fry off finely diced onions, carrot, celery and leek, add your lamb and some stock and simmer until everything is tender. And if you have any leftover lamb gravy from yesterday to add to the braise, then the flavour levels just went up several notches.

Top with mashed potato and perhaps a not-too-traditional-but-oh-so-delicious grating of pecorino cheese and bake in the oven until the top is browned. If that’s not happening efficiently, use the grill. Bon appetit!

THAI LAAP SALAD

Though this Northern Thai classic salad usually uses minced chicken, pork or catfish, minced lamb can make an interesting alternative, and an invigorating way to use up your leftover roast lamb. If you do envisage making this with your Sunday Roast remains, perhaps hold back on the Mediterranean herbs of thyme and rosemary in the roasting process; it’s going to taste slightly jarring in your laap. 

Laap salads from Thailand’s Issan region are usually garnished with roasted rice and smoked chilli powder. Toast the former (soaked then dried sticky rice is the best, but you can use long grain, too) over a low heat, with some makrut lime leaf and galangal added to the pan if you have any, until the rice is the colour of golden sand. Then, grind to a fairly fine powder.

For the smoked chilli powder, toast dried chillis (preferably the long red version) over a high heat until smoky and dark (you might want to cover your mouth and nose for this). Discard any blackened seeds which may have escaped the chillies during the toasting before doing so, then grind to a fine powder.

While you’re doing that, you’ll want to mince the leftover lamb to your desired coarseness by hand. Then, all you have to do is assemble. You can use the lamb cold or warm it through; that’s up to you. Either way, mix it well with equal quantities of lime juice and fish sauce, and golden caster sugar to taste. Add chopped mint, coriander and some sliced shallots and spring onions, along with your toasted rice and smoked chilli powder. Mix well and serve, ideally with more sticky rice.

Image by NetPhotographer from Getty Images via Canva

SZECHUAN STIR-FRIED LAMB WITH CUMIN

The Szechuan province of China, famed for its nuclear spice levels, pungent, punchy flavours and numbing pepper, has a wicked way with lamb. Harness all of these elements in a delicious dish of spicy stir-fried lamb with cumin. 

Firstly, cut your leftover lamb into bite-sized, thickish slices, ideal for getting crispy in a screaming hot pan or wok whilst still remaining tender. Marinate these slices for at least an hour in a mixture of soy sauce and Shaoxing rice wine (pale dry sherry can be used as a substitute). Combine corn starch with ground dried chillies, toasted then ground cumin seeds, and ground Szechuan peppercorns (go easy, they can quickly overpower a dish). After marinating, drain the lamb and coat with this dry mix. 

Get your pan or wok super hot then add a neutral oil and stir fry the lamb until crispy. Add sliced spring onions, minced garlic and ginger, and stir fry a little longer. Serve over rice or noodles. 

MOUSSAKA

This comforting Greek dish of layered aubergine and minced lamb, burnished with a blistered Bechamel sauce, is a fantastic way to use up your leftover lamb, and makes cold, gloomy Monday nights so much more inviting. 

Firstly, slice your aubergines into discs roughly the thickness of a one pound coin, and salt in a colander to extract excess moisture. Mince your leftover lamb, fry off finely chopped onion and garlic, then add the lamb along with plenty of dried oregano and a little ground cinnamon. Add a hefty glug of white wine, and reduce over a high heat briefly, then add stock (or leftover gravy, if you’ve got any, for extra flavour) and a reserved amount of tomato puree. Simmer until it’s a homogenous, fairly dry ragu-like unit. Meanwhile, make a classic bechamel sauce, but pep it up at the last with grated pecorino (a wonderful accompaniment to lamb) and enrichen with an egg yolk or two. 

All that’s left is to layer up the aubergines, minced lamb mix and your bechamel, making sure there’s a good coating of the latter on top. Bake in a hot oven for around half an hour, doing the last ten minutes under the grill if the top isn’t blistering to a satisfying level.

By borchee from Gett Images Signature Via Canva

LAMB & PEA SAMOSAS

We’re going to defer to the master here. Madhur Jaffrey, in her superb book Indian Cookery, suggests an excellent, highly spiced recipe for minced lamb with peas (kheema matar) which we’ve found is just perfect for using up leftover roast lamb. Enjoy the dish with some pickles and paratha, as the queen of Indian cooking suggests, or inside a samosa, which she also provides a recipe for. We highly recommend the effort here. In fact, we’d highly recommend getting the book, too!

Now here’s 5 IDEAL recipes for your roast dinner leftovers

6 IDEAL Jobs For People Who Love To Travel

Editorial Team
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6 IDEAL Jobs For People Who Love To Travel

Money makes the world go round, as the old adage goes. But how about; make money while going around the world? That’s a saying – and journey – we’d love to get on board with.

Sadly, it’s a dream that many view as just that; unachievable, unrealistic and so far out of reach.

It doesn’t have to be this way; with modern technology and new methods of communication shrinking the world until it fits in the palm of your hand, more and more millennials are choosing to earn while burning up the track.

Indeed, travelling and earning simultaneously is now easier than ever before, thanks to the evolution of the internet and Cloud technology. After all, these technologies have combined to create remote communication and file sharing tools, helping you to work just about anywhere in the world that boasts a laptop or mobile device and a reliable, secure internet connection.

That said, making money whilst travelling the world needn’t only rely on the internet; there are still plenty of ‘old-school’, hands-on jobs out there that you can do pretty much anywhere in the world.

The question that remains, of course, is what are the best and most accessible ways of making money while travelling? With this in mind, here are 6 IDEAL jobs for people who love to travel.

Photographer

Jobs for those who love to travel fall into two broad categories; ones which require travel as part of the job, and those which you can do from anywhere in the world, providing you’ve got a laptop and wifi connection. Photography falls into the latter box.

Indeed, photography is a job that requires you to travel in order to create content. It’s on the job description, and what could be better than that? Travel photography, it turns out, can be much more than just a hobby; it can get pretty lucrative. And demand is only growing. So whether you’re a freelance photographer or employed by a company, this is one vocation entirely possible on vacation.

Read: The IDEAL guide to becoming a travelling photographer

Trading Stocks, Shares Or Currency

When travelling with a plans to see the world, it’s crucial that you’re able to work flexibility and have as much free time as possible. So, passive income streams are usually the most effective here, with forex trading offering a relevant case in point.

Forex who we hear you ask. Well, the first thing you need to know is that the word is simply short for ‘the foreign exchange market’, and it’s a term that may give you the freedom to travel, as it’s one of the most flexible in the world, not requiring you to be in any actual physical location. Yep, it’s possible to do it all via the web. 

Of course, no investment vehicle or asset class is free from risk. Moreover, remember to always uphold ethical values when trading is concerned.

It should be noted that there is huge risk in investing in forex as the markets are unpredictable and volatile. For any financial advice, always consult a qualified accountant first

Read: 6 was to watch your wellbeing while travelling for work

Flight Attendant

As long as you’re not afflicted by vertigo or aviophobia, and are between the heights of 4’11” and 6’4”, becoming a flight attendant could be your channel into the world of getting paid to travel. 

Some airlines allow their flight attendants to fly for free when they aren’t working. However, this is usually on standby flights and of course, depends on the occupancy of each flight. In addition to this, some airlines also offer discounted airfare for friends and family.

Of course, being a flight attendant involves more than jet-setting all over the world. It’s hard work and long hours, make no mistake. According to Indeed, the average flight attendant “can expect to spend 65-90 hours in the air, and an additional 50 hours preparing the airplane, processing passengers during boarding and performing post-flight procedures.”

But if that doesn’t put you off, there’s plenty of professional development and lots of adventure to be found at 30’000 feet.

Travel Blogging

While the halcyon days of blogging may have passed during the late noughties and twenty-tens, creating an informative and insightful blog can still generate significant streams of passive income.

Travel blogs can be particularly lucrative, both in terms of the demand for content and the potential advertising partners that you can work with.

So, you could consider creating a blog that shares your overseas adventures and experiences of different cultures from across the globe, using your own unique voice to offer a bespoke voice and stand apart from your rivals.

In terms of monetising this, you could sell advertising space to targeted partners within the travel, leisure and apparel markets. Over time, you could also consider allowing similarly experienced voices to post guest content, charging a nominal fee to host this and promote the writer’s own endeavours.

International Event Planning

Event management is another job that allows you to – scrap that – expects you to travel as part of the pay packet.

As an international event planner, your job is to travel to wherever the big events or conferences are taking place for inspiration, and travel even more to destinations where you’re hosting an event.

Indeed, as an international event planner, you certainly won’t find yourself stuck in the office full-time; you get to visit and experience new cities, countries and cultures, and you get a little bit of ‘me’ time…in an ideal world, that is! 

So far, so appealing. But speak to business travellers and they may well tell you that life on the road isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Sitting in airports, being away from loved ones, and dealing with jetlag, all while juggling work demands and deadlines, can take its toll on you. If you’re considering a career as an international event planner, do read our article on some key ways to watch your wellbeing while travelling for work.

Language Tuition

If you’re unable to leverage the above options or market your particular skillset online as a freelancer, you may want to consider more corporeal or hands-on roles such as teaching.

After all, there are cultures and communities in various far-flung corners of the world who speak English as a second language, creating an omnipresent need for people who can teach the dialect. Indeed, English is currently thought to be the second-most common language in the world, with some 55 nations speaking this as a second dialect. 

Of course, this may require some form of rudimentary teaching qualification in a few regions, while at the very least you’ll need transferable skills such as discipline, patience and an ability to communicate with people of all age ranges.

You’ll also need to be organised, as you’ll have to create a strict schedule that incorporates your work without overly compromising your travel itinerary. If you can manage that fine-balancing act, then you might find teaching English an enjoyable and rewarding profession.

Bon Voyage!

7 INCREDIBLE VEGETARIAN CONDIMENTS, SAUCES & SEASONINGS

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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7 INCREDIBLE VEGETARIAN CONDIMENTS, SAUCES & SEASONINGS

Ideal for dialling up the deliciousness on your dinner.

Getting levels and layers into your home cooked food needn’t require a mountain of fresh ingredients, a razor sharp knife, hours of slicing and dicing and a fortune spaffed on the most expensive steak cut. 

Indeed, sometimes all it takes is a carefully curated seasoning cupboard to lift your dinner from good to great. With a few choice flavourings added with dexterity and respect, you might even catch the attention of the deity of deliciousness. 

With that in mind, here are 7 incredible vegetarian condiments, sauces and seasonings, IDEAL for dialling up the deliciousness on your dinner.

CHIN SU

The thinking man’s Sriracha, Vietnamese chilli sauce Chin Su does a job. Bright, sharp, garlicky and with a credible kick, some may be put off by the smooth uniformity of the Quang Ngai province’s famous sauce. Not us; there’s something comforting in its aesthetics and mouth feel, we think.

In fact, a proper, traditional banh mi bought from a side cart on the tight streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City will always have a few squirts. This is one occasion when a homemade chilli sauce simply doesn’t work. Fortunately, it’s used liberally in the world famous baguette all across the country. Accordingly, Chin Su is an essential tool in your arsenal for all your sandwich needs.

PRIK NAM PLA

Sure, we could extol the virtues of fish sauce all day long. We could go on about how it brings depth, umami and refined funk to all manner of meals, but you know that already right? Instead, let’s talk about a Thai tabletop mainstay; prik nam pla. 

Simply put, it’s many, many sliced bird’s eye chillis (red and green) left to soak in fish sauce – not vegetarian, we know – in a jar. Sometimes a little sliced garlic is added. Sometimes a segment of lime or a squeeze of its juice. But what is consistent is the lift of spice and salt it gives a dish of stir fried minced pork with holy basil, or a deep fried omelette, Thai style. 

It actually mellows over time, from a rip roaring first day to something more peaceful after a few in the fridge. Once you’ve got the measure of your prik nam pla, add it to ragus, salad dressings, stir fries…anything. 

For a vegetarian version, simply substitute the fish sauce for vegetarian fish sauce or soy sauce. Should you be using the latter, a sprinkling of sea salt balances things out.

AJINOMOTO

MSG is one hell of a flavour builder, bringing that much sought after mouth filling, umami quality in its purest form. Those claiming it causes headaches are probably also calling COVID-19 the ‘China Virus’ and are best ignored. Instead, used liberally, MSG can round off the flavours in a dish oh so succinctly. Ajinomoto is one of the most popular and available brands of it around.

CHOLULA CHIPOTLE HOT SAUCE

Smoky, spicy, fruity…we could enjoy Cholula chipotle hot sauce on pretty much anything, desserts included. This one is 100% vegetarian and vegan, but loses none of its swagger for being plant based. Particularly good over easy eggs and coriander, or with your avocado on toast. Just don’t tell the boomers.

HIKARI WHITE MISO PASTE

Another bringer of serious savoury notes, white miso paste (fermented soy beans) brings a useful balance of salty and sweet, and a whole lot of oomph to soups and dressings. Indeed, it’s one of the most efficient ways of adding depth to a dish lacking that je ne sais quoi. White miso also comes into its own in marinades.

And the best news? It’s incredibly good for you, providing the gut with beneficial bacteria by the bucketload.

MAGGI LIQUID SEASONING

Doing its best to end the negative connotations of the name Maggie, this glorious seasoning sauce beloved of Southeast Asia and the Caribbean is a wonder worker when deployed with restraint. Just a few drops have been known to lift all manner of dishes, from braises and casseroles to soups and stews. Go get it!

TAMARIND WATER

Anyone who’s splashed some aged balsamic in a pasta sauce or squeezed lemon juice over fish will know the lift that a little sour can bring. Think outside the box here, and inside the block, by making your own tamarind water. 

So much more than a squeeze of lemon or lime, tamarind water also adds richness and astringency. This magic souring agent is beloved of the cuisines of Latin America, the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, and works adeptly in both savoury and sweet dishes.

Simply buy a block of tamarind ‘pulp’ from your local Asia supermarket, mix with warm water and let sit, before passing through a sieve. Now you have a thick liquid which brings life and energy to so many dishes, particularly in salad dressings, curries and tart confectionary.

6 Ways To Watch Your Wellbeing While Travelling For Work 

Editorial Team
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6 Ways To Watch Your Wellbeing While Travelling For Work 

Whether you’re travelling for a business conference, going on a research trip or visiting a remote office, travelling for work still represents the dream for so many, even in 2022. You’re not stuck in the office, you get to visit and experience new cities, countries and cultures, and you get a little bit of ‘me’ time…in an ideal world, that is! 

Indeed, with remote working on the rise, people in a whole range of industries are discovering the benefits of travelling for work, and even being abroad for longer stretches on a kind of work/vacation hybrid – the ‘workation’.  

So far, so appealing. But speak to business travellers and they may well tell you that life on the road isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Sitting in airports, being away from loved ones, and dealing with jetlag, all while juggling work demands and deadlines, can take its toll on your mental health.  

As highlighted in the annual trends report commissioned by IBTM World, the leading global event for the meetings and events industry, “the seriousness of the ‘mental health pandemic’ should be taken more seriously’’. 

We couldn’t agree more. Whether you work in the events industry, the travel industry, or any industry where you have to travel for work for that matter, here are 6 ways to watch your wellbeing while travelling for work. 

Pack Healthy Snacks 

When you’re on the road and have a busy schedule of events, you never know when you’re going to eat. Sure, if you’re on a long haul flight you’ll probably eat on the plane, but for the most part, inflight food options are pretty unappetizing. Moreover, the food at the airport isn’t much better – Burger King, KFC or Starbucks, anyone? 

A little treat is fine, but a long run of unhealthy eating can take its toll on your wellbeing. Pre-empt this necessity to eat the nearest food to hand and take snacks in your hand luggage, keeping some in your purse, too, for when those hunger pangs strike.

Pretty much all solid foods are allowed in your hand luggage, even live lobsters if in clear, sealed, spill-proof containers with ice, so consider cooking an extra portion of dinner the night before travel and taking leftovers on your flight. Trailmix is always a good idea too; if it’s good enough for sustaining mountaineers and trekkers, we reckon it’ll do the job for any long-haul flight, business meetings or a conference, too. 

IDEAL Tip: When you are finally home, take a little time to batch cook some meals that you can freeze and take with you on your next trip. This little trick also means you’ll have something tasty waiting for you when you get back from your trip next time! 

Read: 6 IDEAL snacks to take in your hand luggage

Take A Loved One With You 

Travelling for business forces you to spend time away from your home, family and friends, and because of this, it can be a pretty lonely affair. While of course you can still video call, it’s not the same as having someone there in the flesh. Moreover, consistent travel can cause strained relationships with those left at home – they have the burden of taking care of all things domestic while you’re away, and resentment might build.

Why not ask your work if you can bring a friend or spouse along on the trip? Businesses are often surprisingly open to this, and responsible employers may even help with your spouses travel expenses. This way, you can spend meaningful time together whilst still fulfilling your work commitments. Everybody wins!

Work In Transit

If you have some downtime on that long train ride or long haul flight, and if you’re not too exhausted, try and get ahead of work while in transit. Whether it’s prepping for that meeting or presentation or catching up on your emails, at least you’ll be putting all that largely liminal time to good use.

It can reduce stress and may mean you can take advantage of the freetime at your destination, hopefully giving you the chance to unplug, recharge those batteries, and explore. 

Read: 7 IDEAL ways to kill time at the airport

Don’t Feel Guilty About Relaxing

Don’t feel bad or guilty if all you want to do is order room service, turn on the hotel telly and do nothing. We know you may think that you should be out experiencing the city you’re in, but sometimes it’s okay to just do nothing. In fact, sometimes it’s actively better for you to embrace a little r’n’r!

Indeed, as the Scientific American reports in their fascinating article Why Your Brain Needs More Downtime, ‘’Downtime replenishes the brain’s stores of attention and motivation, encourages productivity and creativity, and is essential to both achieve our highest levels of performance and simply form stable memories in everyday life.’’

Keep A Sense Of Routine

We’ve all been there when travelling, having a pint for breakfast at the airport, catching up on sleep during daylight hours, and enjoying a croissant for dinner before logging into our emails…

We said we’d all been there, right? Right?

Anyway, there’s often a temptation on the road to throw your usual routine out the window is favour of something more freeform, but this can be detrimental not only to your productivity, but also to your wellbeing. 

Routine and structure are, according to most experts, incredibly good for you, giving your day a sense of organisation, purpose and focus, so do try do observe a few of the same key moments during the day that you would observe back home, whether that’s your 11am run, your evening phone call to your folks, or your beloved breakfast of Muesli. 

Read: Self-care routines to adopt today

Beat Jet lag 

Hectic airports, delayed flights and lost luggage – travelling on a plane can be stressful at the best of times. Unfortunately, if you are crossing multiple time zones, you can also expect symptoms of jet lag. From headaches and irritation, to diarrhoea and a pounding heart, jet lag hits without warning and it can turn you into a zombie.

After that dire warning, let us change the mood and end by directing you to our top tips on top tips on beating jet lag naturally. We hope your next trip is a fruitful and happy one!

6 Of The Best Places To Visit In Croatia In 2023

Editorial Team
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6 Of The Best Places To Visit In Croatia In 2023

Yes, you read that right; 2023. As the British summer holidays draw to a close, school bags get packed, and parents begin to contemplate Christmas, our minds are already casting covetous glances at next year’s big plans. 

Perhaps it’s escapism or a coping mechanism, considering the winter of discontent predicted here this year, but in the IDEAL household, the Skyscanner is already open and the search bar populated with enquiries far flung. 

We’ve only one destination on our minds next year; Croatia. With its affordable flights and accommodation, gorgeous cuisine, stunning vistas, and relatively untouched charm, The Land Of A Thousand Islands has so much going for it. 

If you’re on the same page as us (you are, we’re both on this one, at IDEAL), then you’re probably wondering how best to populate your Croatian itinerary. Here’s how; our 6 of the best places to visit in Croatia in 2023.

IDEAL For Sailing: The Dalmatian Islands

How does a luxury Croatian cruise sound? Well, aside from the clumsy alliteration, it sounds rather special, don’t you think? Indeed, the Croatian Adriatic coast, comprising the Istrian Peninsula (Istra), Kvarner Gulf, and Dalmatia (Dalmacija), has become hugely popular in recent years as a sailing destination and it’s easy to see why. 

The extraordinary beauty of the Dalmatian Coast, in particular, and its thousands of adjacent islands, attracts well-heeled visitors from all over the world each year, keen to explore them by boat and appreciate the views from a seafaring vantage point. 

If you’re keen to do the same, then start your cruise from the Port of Split, Croatia’s second largest city. From here, it’s a less than two hour journey on the water to the islands of Hvar and Brac, and a little longer to the gorgeous Korcula, all of which are stunning and unique in their own way. We’re stopping off at Hvar for a quick drink next, in fact…

IDEAL For Acclaimed Croatian Wine: Hvar

Hvar, known as the Queen of the Croatian Dalmatian islands, mixes serene beauty and sophistication with a vibrant, revelrous nightlife. Could there be a more perfect mix?

Here, the local wine is exceptional. In fact, Hvar is the island of Croatian wine, with the strong sun and wind combining for ideal grape growing conditions and the production of quality wine. The island is home to the oldest Plavac Mali (an indigenous grape to the Dalmatian region) vineyard in the country, perfect for raising a glass in picture-perfect surrounds.

Hvar is equally famous for its lavender, which thrives due to the island’s year round sunshine. You can find lavender flavoured ice cream pretty much everywhere on the island, its floral and herbaceous flavour just lovely when the weather is heating up. To see the purple fields for yourself, rent a scooter and follow the island’s lavender scented trails… You might even find a lavender flavoured wine during your visit!

IDEAL For Adventures: Velebit Nature Park

Mount Velebit is Croatia’s largest mountain range, and its surrounding national park (stretching for over 2’000 km²) makes for an incredible destination for a whole host of adventure sports, both on terra firma and in the park’s wild, fast moving, and unpredictable rivers.

Not for the faint of heart, the wild river kayaking route down the Zrmanja River is framed on either side by gorgeous forest and punctuated by rapids and waterfalls, showing visitors a very different side of Croatia – and one that’s UNESCO protected as a World Biosphere Reserve – compared to the more familiar images of harbours and sailing boats you’ll traditionally find in travel magazines.

Don’t worry if this sounds a little terrifying; there are some more sedate stretches, particularly at the beginning of the course, with no experience strictly necessary. You do need to know how to swim, though. The route concludes in the picturesque Muskovci village, where a change into dry clothes and a hearty feed awaits! 

IDEAL For A City Break With Beaches: Split

We’re heading back to the coast now, enjoying a scenic two hour drive south from Muskovci and making for Split, the best place in Croatia to combine a city break and some beach time.

Bacvice is the closest beach to the heart of the old town and perhaps the best swimming spot in all of Split. While its shallow waters get pretty busy on hot, humid days, that also means it’s a place full of life, youth and spirit. 

Here you’ll see people playing Picigin, a traditional ball game that was born in Split. It’s played in shallow water and while we’re not well versed in the complex rules, the aim is to stop the ball from touching the water, and you’ll find people doing so with acrobatic flair. 

If you’re keen to continue that people watching, take a stroll down Split Riva, just a kilometre from Bacvice. This promenade, which lies on the south side of the Diocletian palace, is perfect for a morning coffee or sunset stroll. Lined with palm trees and benches, cafes and restaurants, and looking out over the peaceful turquoise waters of the bay, it’s as close to heaven as you’ll get on land.

IDEAL For Cosmopolitan Culture: Zagreb

We couldn’t visit Croatia without checking out its capital Zagreb, though this isn’t simply a box ticking exercise. The country’s largest city is a vibrant, modern place with plenty of cultural clout and historical intrigue. 

Nominally divided into the historic upper town and the more modern lower town, the former is where you want to head for twisted, cobblestone streets and gorgeous medieval architecture, much of the most intricate and interesting of which is focused around Jelačić Square. It’s here that you’ll find many of the city’s best restaurants, too. 

Don’t leave the city without checking out Tkalčićeva Street, a charming strip where locals go to unwind after dark with a rakija or two.

IDEAL For Seafood & Sunsets: Dubrovnik

Speaking of restaurants and bars, Dubrovnik, famed for its enchanting Old Town encompassed by mediaeval walls and the stunning backdrop of the Adriatic Sea, is arguably Croatia’s culinary capital.

The cuisine here is a blend of Balkan, Italian and Mediterranean influences, and the city is a seafood lover’s paradise. Here, you’ll find platters of grilled or fried seafood piled high in nearly every restaurant; the calamari and lightly floured then fried whitebait in this part of the world is arguably the best you’ll find just about anywhere.

Dubrovnik’s sunsets aren’t exactly bad, either, and if you can get a table at one of the restaurants overlooking the Adriatic, then you’re in for a treat. Restaurant 360º is Dubrovnik’s only Michelin starred restaurant and boasts panoramic views which give it its name; dine on some seafood and catch a sunset here, and you may well feel like your life (or, at the least, your trip) is complete.

And that feels like a great time to end our tour of Croatia. We’ll see you there next year?

7 REASONS TO SWITCH FROM COFFEE TO TEA TODAY

Editorial Team
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7 REASONS TO SWITCH FROM COFFEE TO TEA TODAY

Does the thought of not having your morning coffee make you a little anxious? It certainly does, us. But the irony here is that our morning coffee also makes us anxious when we overdo it. That’s because caffeine is a stimulant and if you drink too much of the good stuff, well, it’s no wonder you get jittery. Instead, why not embrace the glorious variety, delicious taste and reported health benefits of switching from Joe to Char?

To explore a little further and drink a little deeper, here are 7 reasons to switch from coffee to tea today.

CONTROL YOUR CAFFEINE INTAKE

Personally, we dread the thought of eliminating caffeine totally from our life. We’d just like to reduce it, somewhat. To take control of your caffeine intake, it might be a wise idea to switch from coffee to tea, as the concentration of caffeine in tea (when comparing mugs of the same size) is considerably less. 

Why not try a cup of tea instead? Like for like, you’ll find around half the amount of caffeine in black tea compared to coffee, less still in green tea, and absolutely none in the herbal stuff. So, you can control that pick me up a little easier, as well as enjoying several other benefits. 

HYDRATION STATIONS

Proper hydration is a vital part of our health, and fortunately, tea provides an excellent alternative to water when you want a bit of excitement from your drinks. Excessive coffee, on the other hand, can dehydrate you. Indeed, the experts at Ahmad Tea USA say that ‘’tea consumption does not produce a diuretic effect unless the amount of tea consumed at one sitting contains more than 300mg of caffeine. This is equivalent to six or seven cups of tea at one sitting. Single servings of caffeine at doses exceeding 300mg may have a diuretic effect’’.

So, to get your caffeine fix whilst still achieving hydration, tea is the answer.

APPETITE SUPPRESSANT

Additionally, some teas such as mate, pureh, green, and mint are known to be appetite suppressants, due to both their caffeine and catechin content. Matcha green tea, in particular, is known to be an adept queller of the munchies. So, grab a cup of tea next time you’re longing for a mid morning snack, and see yourself through to lunch. Who knew it was so easy?

SLEEP AID

Certain teas also help you get a better night’s sleep. Chamomile tea has numerous health benefits, one of which is its ability to help people relax and fall asleep. Other no-or-low caffeine teas that are thought to help with sleep are green, valerian, passionflower, mint, lavender, and lemon balm. Check out our other tips on hacking your circadian rhythm with food for more of the same.

DRINK ALL YOU WANT

That’s a phrase you don’t often hear associated with a beverage. Indeed, overconsumption of alcohol has numerous consequences, none of which are good. Too much coffee leaves you frazzled and may result in an edgy morning. Even recent wisdom has opined that fruit juice should be limited to 150ml a day (one small glass) due to its sugar content.

But drinking several cups of tea a day will result in positive effects such as hydration and relaxation without enduring the detrimental elements of other commonly consumed drinks. 

BRIGHTEN YOUR SMILE

Coffee may leave stains on your teeth which build up over the years, leading to a cosmetically undesirable appearance. On the flip side, white tea is a good source of fluoride and antioxidants that make your teeth stronger and whiter, though it should be noted that black tea can also stain your nashers. 

RELIEVE HEARTBURN

Certain properties of coffee cause physical changes that result in acid reflux, with overindulgence in caffeine a key player in causing heartburn. Go for a low or no caffeine tea and you’ll likely relieve this. Indeed, herbal teas can improve digestion and soothe stomach problems, but avoid mint teas, which can trigger an acid reflux in some.

5 Tips For Growing Your Business Online, From SEO To Social Media 

Editorial Team
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5 Tips For Growing Your Business Online, From SEO To Social Media 

Alexa, tell me how many businesses fail within a year? Please. 

Where once such a query would be debated and debunked around the dinner table, with facts and numbers posited and punctured, nowadays a simple Google search or spoken question thrown in the e-ther will yield the correct answer. Every, single, time.

Indeed, it’s amazing how the internet has recorded then recoded the fabric of both social and professional life. But as they say, if you can’t beat em, join em, so here are 5 IDEAL tips for growing your business online.

Your Website

No surprise here, but it bears repeating nonetheless; one of the first steps to growing your online business is having a website. And if you truly want to inspire confidence in potential customers and colleagues, then it needs to be one which runs smoothly, slickly and speedily. Your website also helps you effectively convey the ‘vibe’ of your brand in an appealing, visual and easily accessible way.

Website localization is becoming increasingly important as businesses seek to expand into new markets and reach global audiences. By customising their websites according to the specific needs and preferences of different regions, businesses can increase their chances of success and improve their overall user experience. Therefore, it’s worth a fair investment.

Content Is King

The internet has sped everything up, make no mistake. Supply, demand, transaction and engagement; the expectation now is for your company and website to be constantly on, engaged and ready to do business. It’s therefore vital to make sure you’re pushing out regular content and marketing yourself succinctly in order to stay relevant and ahead to the pack. This doesn’t mean that at every 2:42 PM on a Wednesday you need to publish a blog post, but you need to be consistent and do things with clarity and precision.

Because what’s clear is that there is competition everywhere, and those who don’t keep things fresh and pertinent will quickly be dismissed in favour of a newer, shinier model. Conversely, regular content will instil loyalty in your visitors and attract new custom, too. Remember this; it’s a numbers game first and foremost.

Get To Know SEO

Es, see, who? Don’t worry, SEO is simply a tech acronym which stands for Search Engine Optimization. Essentially, it’s what will help you stay on page one of Google instead of drifting off to the unseen, barren wastelands of page two. And if you want to get noticed, trusted and patronised to the full, then page one is where you want to be.

Indeed, struggling to rank highly in the search engines can be seriously detrimental to your business. To go from strength to strength this year and beyond, you may need to boost your online presence. As the guys at Getmentioned link-building service tell us, if you want to continually drive traffic to your site, increase your website rank, and boost your conversion rate, you’d do worse than considering investment in a dedicated link building service, helping you to rank higher on Google and beyond (Ask Jeeves anyone?).

While you’re at it, it might also be worth dedicating a portion of your budget to buy a link audit, which can address which websites are linking back to your own, and if they’re helping or harming your site’s overall performance on Google.

Read: 5 tips for improving your SEO strategy

Savvy Social Media Use

With 59% of the world now having a social media account (that’s a whopping 4.7 billion) and millions scrolling through their feeds at any given moment, it would be financial suicide not to be harnessing the power of the click, constantly and consistently.

While there are plenty of paid options to promote your business on social media, you should only do so with scrupulous tracking of analytics to assess whether the reach of such posts is worth your investment. You might find that you could achieve the same reach via free social media channels; making an Instagram and Facebook page (we all have one, right?) is easy and needn’t cost you a penny. Just ensure your page is captivating and unique, as there’s a pretty massive crowd out there to stand out from.

Interaction & Engagement

Eventually, people are going to start reviewing or talking about your business. And that’s a good thing; it shows you’re getting noticed and word-of-mouth (or word of keyboard, we should say) is a valuable thing.

Though you can’t guarantee every review will be positive, if you’re confident of your company’s merit, then you should open yourself up to praise and criticism by registering with various review websites. There are plenty of places to do this; Google Reviews, Yelp, Trust Pilot and Tripadvisor, to name just a few. You can also make it easier for your customers to leave reviews by generating a Google review QR code.

Be sure to interact with your reviews, whether they’re favourable or damning (people are far more likely to post if they’ve something negative to say), to show gratitude and indicate the feedback is valuable. Customers love this. Further the engagement by asking for emails and sending out newsletters, keeping that interaction ticking along with regular updates.

The Bottom Line

If you’ve got to the end of this article with us, then congratulations; a thriving online presence awaits! We can’t wait to be on this journey with you… We are, erm, invited, right?

Decorative Lighting Trends For 2022

Editorial Team
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Decorative Lighting Trends For 2022

As the nights begin to draw in, we’re starting to think about those autumn evenings spent indoors. While it can be simple just to switch on the big light during these seasons without giving it another thought, pausing to consider your home’s lighting can make a big difference to your mood.

It’s easy to underestimate the extent to which lighting can alter the look of a room. A statement floor lamp can completely change the character of a space, bringing light into dark corners and creating a sense of spaciousness where none existed before. Ambient lights help add personality, warmth, and tenderness, whilst task lighting provides focus and clarity.

So, instead of overlooking the importance of lighting when designing a room, it’s time to get enthused about illumination. With the help of wholesale lighting supplier Searchlight Electric, here are some of the very best decorative lighting trends for 2022. 

Metallic Lamps 

Slender, tall, and modern-feeling floor lamps make for the ideal addition to any room. 

Currently trending is a range of metallic finishes for such lamps, usually in gold, silver or brass.  

Here at IDEAL, we’re fans of a matt finish, but something in a shiny finish can be equally pleasing to the eye. The combination of brass and marble is hugely popular this year, too, providing some class and style whilst also being practical for any room, whether this is in a domestic space or commercial setting. Arguably the most popular style this year incorporates thin and tall-standing floor lamps for a contemporary yet elegant look. 

If you have a small living room, consider an arc metallic lamp. They are the ideal way to make a lighting statement while taking up minimal floor space. If you can pair that arc to the curvature of wall and ceiling, then all the better!

Art Deco Inspired Ceiling Lights 

The popular interior trend of Art Deco has returned. The 1920’s inspired decorative style often returns making a comeback with new, modern twists. This year it returns in a slightly stripped-back style, introducing a calmer, less glamourous take on the traditional style. 

Popular are the rounded and oval lighting fixtures that form the base of Art Deco lighting. New lighting pendants take on this shape with the addition of a scalloped edge, some brass touches, and perhaps a subtle hint of marble here and there. 

Read: 5 fun lighting ideas to brighten up your home

Oversized, Architectural Designs 

Oversized and placed at the centre of a room’s attention, architectural chandeliers are a real winner this year. No longer reserved just for dining rooms, chandeliers create an awe-inspiring main feature in your living room, adding a sense of luxury and sophistication. 

Whether your interior space is modern or traditional, a chandelier hanging above heads, incorporating eye-catching details and projecting beautiful glimmers of light on to walls and ceilings, will help to create the perfect mood for people to enjoy. Even if a room seems slightly too small for a fixture of such size, consider the statement this could make. 

If you want to make any room in the house feel like new again with a single, statement addition, be bold and choose a lighting fixture that captures your guest’s attention.  

Industrial Bulb Pendant Lighting

Yes, industrial bulb lighting is still in fashion, and if you are a fan of simplicity and that industrial style beloved of trendy restaurant openings across the country, you’re probably already in love with the idea of ‘naked’ lighting that contains just a bulb. When done right, this doesn’t look like a room unfinished. 

Quite the opposite, in fact; it possesses a unique aesthetic that can bring a stripped back urban cool with just a touch of vintage to your kitchen or living room, particularly when paired with a brick wall, whether genuine or mock. 

Industrial-style bulb pendant lighting is a top trend in the interior design world that can be easily suited to many different kitchen arrangements and styles. Just ensure that it’s not the only lighting in the room, or some serious shade will be cast. Rather, use industrial bulb lighting as one part of a bigger whole, illuminating a specific area such as the kitchen table, whilst other corners are supported by some more gently illuminating.

Natural Materials

Floor lamps, lampshades and lanterns made from the naturally growing, wicker-weaved vine and natural materials like rattan and bamboo is a huge trend this year.

Eco-friendly, sustainable and oh-so chic, it’s the perfect way to bring the outdoors in. Moreover, these warm materials, lend a natural and harmonious feel to any room, adding a beautiful aesthetic while giving a room an incredibly calming feel. 

The Bottom Line

Lighting shouldn’t be an afterthought, only added once other considerations such as furniture and furnishings are secured. Instead, lighting should be given equal precedence in a room, able to illuminate and even dazzle in the domestic space. We can’t wait to see how you deploy yours!

5 Of The Very Best Tapas Bars In Barcelona’s Old City (Ciutat Vella)

Joseph Gann
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5 Of The Very Best Tapas Bars In Barcelona’s Old City (Ciutat Vella)

It’s not difficult to see why Barcelona sits atop the list of Britain’s most loved city breaks. Just a short, affordable flight away, it’s an easy to navigate, easy to communicate with place, awash with culture, charm and good weather.

The cuisine, too, is top drawer, but in a city so beloved of tourists, the traps – charging extortionate prices for second rate small plates – tend to outweigh the good stuff. Take a stroll down Las Ramblas and into Barcelona’s Old City and, sadly, you have to dig deep and queue long to find somewhere worthwhile.

Well, we’ve done the digging and endured the queueing, to give you these; our 5 of the very best tapas bars in Barcelona’s Old City (Ciutat Vella).

La Cova Fumada

There’s no sign here, and the place is small and unassuming from the front, but La Cova Fumada is certainly not hard to find. Enlist your senses; listen out for a noisy din of chatter and cheer, look for happy customers spilling out into the adjacent square, and smell the fresh seafood coming off the plancha, and you’ll know you’ve found the right place.

Owing to its proximity to La Barceloneta, fresh fish and shellfish are the main draw here. It’s largely standing room only, unless you get lucky, and plates are simple, but this lets the freshness of the ingredients shine.

Reputedly, la Bomba – a Catalan tapa of deep fried mashed potato and meat served with bravas sauce – was invented here, so you’d be crazy not to have at least one. Aside from that, order with the sea as your guide. Lovely stuff.

Address: Carrer del Baluart, 56, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Bar Canete

Located in the vibrant, ultra-hip El Raval neighbourhood, Bar Canete’s lengthy bar is the perfect place to enjoy a mix of theatre and flavour; from here you can watch the chefs cook and waiters sashay and sing their way through service.

There’s spectacle to be found here, but not at the cost of a damn good meal. Because it’s notionally a fine-dining affair, you may not find Bar Canete on Barcelona tapas tours, but it’s well worth the effort to seek out; the classics here are reassuringly untampered with and the vibe is boisterous.

Must-try dishes include salt cod croquettes, amazing aubergine crisps with a sticky balsamic reduction, and a loose, luxurious version of paella.

Booking is recommended, but walk-ins are generally accommodated in the earlier parts of the evening.

Address: Carrer de la Unió, 17, 08001 Barcelona, Spain

Images via Bar Canete

Tapas 24

When a celebrity chef – in this case, Michelin-starred Carlos Abellan – is said to be modernising the classics, with multiple branches worldwide and a place in almost every guidebook, trepidation naturally follows. But to turn your nose up at the idea of the place would be to miss out on some seriously skilful, respectful plates of Catalan culinary heritage.

The outpost we adore is in Eixample (okay, we accept it’s not quite the Old City), and is a short walk from gaudi architecture one way and La Rambla the other. That’s your day out sorted then.

Go for the calamari and squid ink mayonnaise roll, stay for the daily fish specials – available from 1pm – straight from the market, and finish with tropical flan, which is basically a creme Catalana on acid. If you can, go in the evening, when there’s more of a buzz about the place. 

Address: Carrer de la Diputació, 269, 08007 Barcelona

El Xampanyet

If it’s old school, traditional you’re yearning for, El Xampanyet will slake your thirst. Quite literally. This brilliant, always crowded joint is first and foremost a cava bar, but the food is fantastic, too. You can’t book, and you’ll stand, but that shouldn’t put you off one of the best dining experiences in the city.

Small single bites on bread or potato (think anchovies in vinegar, chorizo or tinned tuna) lure you in, but soon you’re having such a good time you commit to being fed more heartily; grilled octopus with green sauce or sirloin with padron peppers, for instance.

It’s a real gem of a place as long as you forget normal rules of personal space, which, admittedly, has been a little harder to do in the era of social distancing. As a result, the bar has moved a few barrels out front for those patrons hoping for a little more elbow room and a dose of fresh air.

Address: Carrer de Montcada, 22, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Quimet Y Quimet

A similar proposition to El Xampanyet, but with its own U.S.P; the ‘conserva’. These are preserved items in jars which line the shelves of the bar alongside a huge collection of wine and spirits, served in canape sized, open faced sandwich style – a ‘montadito’. Come with confidence, as a menu isn’t provided and space is scant, and you won’t regret it.

Address: Carrer del Poeta Cabanyes, 25, 08004 Barcelona, Spain

And with that, we hope you get the opportunity to try these 5 of the best tapas bars in Barcelona’s Old city. You won’t regret it… Perhaps schedule a lie-down for afterwards, though!

The Best Ways To Get Involved With Your Local Community

Editorial Team
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The Best Ways To Get Involved With Your Local Community

Research reveals nearly 10 million Brits give back to the local community, as over two thirds find happiness in their neighbourhood.

Finding joy and wellbeing are phrases we are all familiar with, whether it’s ways to avoid working from home burnout or how to combat the stress of changes over the last few years, many of us have looked for ways to build happiness. But new research has shown that the key to happiness is within our local communities and through getting involved in local groups we can not only create joy for ourselves but also give back to those around us. 

Recent research has shown that the more activities and groups you are involved in within your local community the happier you are – with 60% of us saying that we are pleased to be living in our local communities. 

Most of us will have joined the local pub quiz or aerobics class once or twice, but a recent poll of 3,000 adults by community retailer SPAR revealed it is group activities with shared interest and local charity causes that bring us together and make us feel part of something larger. 

However, for some joining a local group or good cause may seem complicated or time consuming but the research found that 40% of us believe meeting new people is important, so getting together with others is key to building happiness. 

To help you find the best ways to get involved with the local community and build a virtuous circle of happiness we have got some top tips: 

Staying Up To Date With Local Events

The best way to stay up to date with events and groups in your area is to join local Facebook pages – 53% of people find out what is going on in their community via these groups, followed by the local paper (48%) and details in local shops and cafes (41%). Joining is simple and you will soon get to grips with how things work in your neighbourhood. 

Doing Your Bit For Charity

If you have a charity or cause you feel strongly about the best way to get others involved is via a coffee morning. When asked which local charity events we take part in 49% said coffee mornings, 43% attend charity jumble sales and 39% were part of community fun runs. 

Read: Ways to stay connected and keep a sense of community

Starting Your Own Group

Many of us have taken up new hobbies and pastimes over the last few years due to a combination of lockdown and more time spent at home so if you have a new interest you are likely to find others in the area who would like to take part. The research showed that 40% of Brits said if they started a new activity others would join in their local community – so if the groups in your neighbourhood aren’t quite your cup of tea now is the time to start your own. 

The Role Of SPAR Stores

SPAR stores are at the heart of the communities they serve, and to give shoppers across the UK the chance to make their community better, SPAR have launched their £100k Community Cashback scheme to give grants to local voluntary or community organisations and charities who need it most. 

Successful organisations include Bags Full Of Love, an organisation based in West Dunbartonshire that aims to give every child entering foster care a new backpack filled with new comfort and personal care items, and Northumbria Blood Bikes, a charity run by local volunteers who deliver life saving blood platelets and plasma to hospitals across the region. And who can argue with that?

Find out more at https://www.spar.co.uk/community-cashback

How To Make The Perfect Pumpkin Spiced Latte At Home

Editorial Team
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0
How To Make The Perfect Pumpkin Spiced Latte At Home

Autumn lovers and pumpkin worshippers alike will be pleased to hear that Starbuck’s Pumpkin Spiced Latte is due to return on the 30th of August.

In light of this excitement, Jackandbeyond.com decided to find how much it would cost to make your very own Pumpkin Spice Latte, and it’s no surpirse that the total cost of a homemade version is only £1.29 – half the price of the Starbucks version at £3.55!  

Sophie Zimmer from Jack and Beyond tells us that “creating the ‘PSL’ at home is an easy activity that you can do as a family to ensure you are saving money on daily Starbucks trips, and instead have the opportunity to perfect for your own taste.”

She continues; ”It is also worth bearing in mind the positive environmental impact that making your own ‘PSL’ might have as you are lowering food waste by using things you probably already have in your cupboard”.

Anyway, that’s enough of a build-up. Without further ado, here’s how to make the perfect pumpkin spiced latte at home.

Make The Pumpkin Puree

The first step is to make the pumpkin puree.

Begin by slicing, deseeding and then deveining a pumpkin, before baking it for 45 minutes at 190°C in a preheated oven. Once the pumpkin slices are properly tender to the tip of a knife, blend in a food processor until smooth.

If you are short on time, perhaps try a pre-made pumpkin puree that will make the process speedier — especially if you are in the midst of a busy week at work.

Create The Perfect Spice Blend

Whilst you wait for the puree to bake, you can begin to create the vital spice mix that gives the latte its distinctive flavour. To create the perfect blend of spices, you will need:

  • 4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons of ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

It is worth noting the spice blend will taste even more heady and intoxicating if you gently toast whole versions of the spices before grinding them.

Read: Tips for cooking with store cupboard spices

Heat Up Your Chosen Milk

In a pan, warm 2 mugs of your chosen milk (dairy or non-dairy alternative) before frothing it with a whisk. Alternatively, you can heat and froth your milk using a milk frother machine.

Mix Together 

To complete your PSL, in a heatproof glass or mug combine 2 tablespoons of pumpkin puree and 1 shot of espresso, add half a teaspoon of your spice mix and whisk until smooth. For extra sweetness, include 1 tablespoon of sugar or 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Add in the warm milk and any leftover froth, and stir.

Enjoy & Relax With Your Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte

To achieve maximum autumnal cosiness, serve in a large mug or to achieve the cafe aesthetic, serve in a tall glass.

Don’t forget to serve with whipped cream, a dusting of cocoa powder and a cinnamon stick for stirring. You can put Starbucks to shame by going a step further and decorating with edible glitter and chocolate dusting art, as well as adding caramel sauce if it wasn’t already sweet enough!

5 Insider Tips For Successfully Marketing Your Products Online

Editorial Team
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5 Insider Tips For Successfully Marketing Your Products Online

Ideal for startups and established businesses alike.

The internet has provided us with so many innovative, doctrine defying ways to manage and market our businesses in recent years that any transactions predating it just feel a little, well, quaint.

But as anyone who has harnessed the power of the internet for their business will know first hand, the world wide web presents as many problems as it does opportunities. It’s easy to get tangled up if you don’t approach things with a diligent mind. No wonder so many companies fall at the first hurdle. 

But, with a little perseverance, a fledgling business can take flight and, in time, be soaring. Here’s how to get the most from your internet advertising campaigns; our 5 insider tips for successfully marketing your products online.

Welcome Customers In Rather Than Reaching Out

Which is a rather round-a-bout way of saying ‘make sure your website stands out’.

When discussing online marketing, your website is something so often neglected. But isn’t it annoying when a company’s homepage is just its Instagram? For some types of consumer, this represents an immediate end to interest in your product or service. 

In fact, according to Sortlist in their article on the 20 best London advertising agencies, ”almost 40% of eCommerce websites fail to make it out of the ground in the first year, due to insufficient setup.”

Instead, potential customers like to see a fully formed website which inspires confidence by running smoothly, slickly and speedily, before they sign up to your newsletter, reach out over email or make a purchase. Make this first point of engagement count by ensuring your website looks clean, moves quickly and reflects the vibe of your brand succinctly.  

What’s more, you should make sure your company’s website is performing to its full potential on Google, using search engine optimisation techniques to reach the maximum amount of people possible.

Social Media

‘Alexa, tell me a social media stat which is appropriate to this article’…

Well, here’s a pretty incredible one; a staggering 4.59 billion people are signed up to a social media account worldwide in 2022. That’s more than half the global population!

Just think how many millions of marketable mortals are out there right now, scrolling and feeding on what they find. When the numbers are this great, it would be business suicide not to harness the power of social media to reach more potential customers.

The best part is this; setting that marketing machine into overdrive needn’t cost you a fortune. In fact, it needn’t cost you a single penny. While of course you can invest in various social media platforms’ placement and ‘paid for’ options, it’s eminently possible to achieve the same reach via free social media channels. As long as your Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Tiktok pages are informative, zeitgeisty and unique, then the sky’s the limit in terms of possible reach. Of course, engaging with a social media marketing company to finesse those finer points won’t harm here.

Don’t be too generic and certainly don’t spread your net too wide on these ‘big four’ platforms. The beauty of social media is the opportunity it grants you to really drill down into what makes your product special and hone in on the people you truly want to reach.

If you’re selling hot sauce, for example, then jump on spice specific hashtags, like #habenero, #chilli and #sriacha. Should you be peddling hip hop apparel, then boldly engage with DJ events, club nights, and promoter’s social media channels. If your business focuses on yoga equipment, donate branded items to a yoga instructor who has a following on Tiktok, and your products might appear in a skit. You get the picture right? Now, paint it.

Engage with your niche audience directly and personally and you’re more likely to see up take on your products. You might even achieve the holy grail of customer loyalty and repeat purchases.

Working with a trusted B2B sales and marketing company can also help you streamline your social media strategy and ensure maximum success in reaching potential customers. As explained by the folks behind apnTech, they may also submit all the public facts about your company and push that data to the top directories, apps, and social networks to improve your brand recognition and reach. Not only will this save you time and effort, but it can also help to increase your brand’s credibility and customer base.

SMS Marketing

We realise this one isn’t exactly ‘online’, but it can be managed via internet platforms efficiently. Though the idea of SMS marketing is a relatively modern one, we wouldn’t blame you for thinking it feels almost antiquated now. We all remember those clumsy, all CAPS texts on an old Nokia, signed off with ‘to stop receiving these texts, send STOP to #66400’. As such, the idea of successful SMS marketing already seems old school.

But to dismiss its reach and impact is to make what could end up being a costly error, particularly in the early stages of marketing your product or business. Though the internet is blessed with a plethora of modern marketing channels, SMS marketing is actually considered by many experts to be the most effective way of reaching potential customers.

As Neil Patel explains, ‘’SMS marketing is underrated…texting has by far the best engagement rate of any marketing medium. Emails can sit unread for days, phone calls can go unanswered, but text messages are almost always read immediately after they’re sent’’. 

Well, when you put it like that… 

Email Marketing

We hope this email finds you well…

Those dreaded words, of randoms reaching out en masse, have lost some of their clout over the years. Particularly when you see your email address is part of an 100 strong contacts list…

But as the digital transformation consultancy Network London tell us, “by directly contacting your potential clientele, personally and with unique hooks, you will build a rapport with them which you can turn into future sales”.

So, establish a bond and grow on it before peddling your product, and you’ll stick far longer in the memory than those automated, robotic pitches we’ve all received plenty of over the years.

Local News Websites

By networking with local news and journalistic publications, you can achieve positive marketing via channels which reach a whole different market segment to social media. Whilst not wishing to generalise, readers of local news may make up a different demographic to those who are regulars on social media. As such, brand loyalty should be found via divergent methods for best results.

To get covered on local news websites, your company needs to generate feel-good stories which promote a positive brand image. Organise charity dinners, have your team run a marathon to raise money for a local cause, donate a % of your profits to help disadvantaged people in your city…all positive ways to impact your community which will also buy you positive publicity online.

The Bottom Line

The world of online marketing is forever changing, shape shifting and redefining itself. That said, some constants remain. With a focus on positive branding, a slick website, and the tried and tested outreach methods of social media, SMS and email marketing, your company will be better positioned to engage with as many potential customers as possible. Good luck!

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