With its creamy filling and buttery biscuit base, we wouldn’t turn down a cheesecake in any form, but when combined with your favourite cocktail? Now that’s a match made in heaven. Manchester-based spirits brand Didsbury Gin have partnered with MasterChef 2015 winner Simon Wood to show fans just how easy it is to create this No Bake Didsbury Gin Citrus Cheesecake at home just in time for World Gin Day. Check out the IDEAL recipe below!
INGREDIENTS
120ml Didsbury Gin Original (£29.95)
30g Caster Sugar
125g Digestive Biscuits Crumbs
40g Butter, Melted
1 Grapefruit
1 Orange
1 Lime
1 Lemon
280g Cream cheese
397g Can Condensed Milk
90ml Fresh Lemon Juice
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
Add 120ml Didsbury Gin Original (£29.95) to a saucepan along with 30g Caster Sugar and reduce by two thirds.
Combine the biscuit crumbs and melted butter and press into the base of your moulds. Make sure you don’t overwork it as you want it to hold together but still be a crumbly, buttery biscuit base. Cue Gregg Wallace. Actually, don’t.
Anyway, use a grater or micro plane to zest your citrus fruits. Retain a little of each to garnish your finished dessert.
Whisk together the cream cheese and condensed milk. Then stir in the lemon juice and your reduced gin syrup, add in your citrus zest combination and mix well before pouring over the prepared base.
Next, chill for at least 2 hours in the fridge until set, serve with your remaining citrus zest.
Didsbury Gin is available from £14.95 online at didsburygin.com
But times of crisis bring times of opportunity for some, and with recent news that house prices have fallen at their fastest rate since 2009, now could be the time to take that plunge into the deep, often lucrative world of property investment.
It’s a decision not to be taken lightly, with financial and time commitments massive, but with the correct levels of information, education and a little bit of luck, it could turn into a very profitable move indeed.
With that in mind here are 4 ways to get into property development.
FIRST, FIND FUNDING
While we’d hate to make assumptions, we are going to do just that and assume you don’t have several million pounds stuffed under the mattress ready to invest in property without making an impact on the brimming coffers.
Instead, you’re going to have to investigate financing and funding options from places like Allcap Finance, headed by the well-known Lincoln Frost, in order to get started in property investment and development. Because without capital, this thing is but a pipe dream.
Fortunately, the government and subsequently, the banks, are keen to encourage investment in this area to kickstart house prices upwards once again.
Bridging loans, which serve to eliminate over-reliance on a property chain and free up cash to buy a property while you wait for a sale at your end, are available to would-be investors just starting out. Should you be selling your own house to start your investment journey, such a loan might come in handy.
There are also unsecured and secured loans available to you; the former is generally for topping up the money you already have, and shouldn’t be used for large amounts as interest rates are larger and penalties for missed payments huge. Secured loans should be used for larger amounts, and come with lower interest rates, but your house will need to be put up as collateral.
PRIORITISE EITHER BUY-TO-LET OR BUY-TO-SELL
While still on the subject of finding suitable funding, at the very infancy of your property development adventure you’re going to need to establish your priorities; will you first be buying to let or buying to sell? This decision will dictate the mortgage options available to you.
Buy-to-let, in short, is the buying of a property with a view to letting it out again. All in the name of the dollar. Such a move has numerous benefits; it’s more tangible than stocks and shares and can generate a steady income for the new landlord. Check out our tips for first time buy-to-let property investors for more detail here.
Buy-to-sell is a different beast, and involves a quicker turnaround; you buy a property, enhance its value in some way, then sell it. Sounds simple, huh? But this option requires a keen eye for the refinements and movements of the market – to analyse if rental or sale value is higher – and doesn’t bring a steady income, but a lump sum. As such, it’s a continuous process if you’re to earn serious money, rather than a one time transaction.
There are also several mortgage options you should consider to kickstart the funding to your property development adventure, and these largely depend on your intended use of the property. If it’s set to be used for commercial purposes (such as a should or restaurant) once the developing stage is over, then a commercial mortgage is best.
Should you be buying the property with the intention of doing it up and then renting it out, then a buy-to-let mortgage will see you right. And if you’re planning to live in the house you’re developing or you’re purposing the property for sale, then a residential mortgage will be best suited to your needs. If you want to calculate how much you can make with your rental property, try this rental profit calculator to see how much you can expect from your property.
Of course, all of this borrowing comes with the caveat that your credit score is in good shape, and that you have the requisite regular income and a watertight business plan. If you satisfy those criteria, then the bank may well be your best friend here.
START AS MORTGAGE ADVISER
As you’ve probably inferred by now, a deep, nuanced understanding of the mortgage market is essential to your future property development success. And let’s be clear; a jump into the deep end of the housing market with no armbands, swimwear or knowledge of how to float is going to lead to sinkage.
Instead, we’d recommend playing the long game, and endeavouring to develop an implicit understanding of the forces at work here before you actually sign on the dotted line on a property. For those looking for a career move which will help furnish your understanding of the property market, consider embarking on a role as a mortgage advisor and undertaking your Mortgage Advisor Training course to kick things off in this field.
Not only will doing so would help you gain better understanding of the housing market, but the salary is also strong (an average starts at round £25’000, with experienced advisors getting around £70’000 with commission) meaning you’d be able to save up money to invest in property whilst gaining the knowledge needed to do so adeptly.
UNDERTAKE STUDY IN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING BSC
If you’re serious about laying the groundwork on your learning about the property market, and you have the money (and time) to undertake several years of study, then there are a handful of university courses which specialise in this field.
Undergraduate courses in Property Development and Planning BSc (Hones), accredited by the Royal Institute of Charted Surveyors, are most common, and are available at various prestigious universities across the country, including Birmingham City, Nottingham Trent and UWE Bristol, to name just three. Typically, this course would last for three years, with the option for a four years sandwich factoring in a year’s placement or internship within the industry. If you do have the luxury of time on your side, then this work experience could be invaluable later down the line.
Such courses will give you implicit, working knowledge of urban and sustainable development, as well as the legal systems and requirements integral to both commercial and residential property investment, particularly in the field’s of property valuation, and landlord and tenant law. One of the key appeals of doing such a course is that it doesn’t pigeonhole you into property development alone; it also opens up avenues into surveying, planning and other disciplines which come under the umbrella of ‘property’.
According to the world health organisation (WHO), some 1.1 billion teenagers young adults are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to recreational noise. This can be anything from the racket of the Northern line and your new Beats headphones competing, to noisy nightclubs and excessive sound levels at concerts.
Yep, it’s hard to avoid the fact that daily life is consistently exposing our ears to dangerously high decibels. In fact, around half of young teenagers and adults aged 12-35 are constantly on the receiving end of unsafe sound levels from the use of personal audio devices. Yep, those entertaining podcasts and the groovy songs we listen to every day on or smartphones really are putting hearing at risk.
You can, however, make a change. It’s never too early to start looking after your hearing. With this in mind, here are 5 ways to protect your hearing health.
GET YOUR HEARING CHECKED
Getting your hearing screened by a health professional can help identify the onset of hearing loss at an early stage before things develop into a more serious problem. And while technology has dramatically advanced and discreet hearing aids are available that are practically invisible to others, observing and heeding the signs of hearing loss, and getting regular checkups is a more prudent move if you’re to catch an issue early.
Regular hearing assessments may also lead to the discovery of excessive earwax build-up, which, if left unaddressed, can impede hearing. As the team at NE, who provide ear wax removal in Newcastle, point out, professional earwax removal, conducted by a healthcare specialist, is a safe method to ensure your ear canals are clear, thus maintaining optimal hearing health.
KEEP THE VOLUME DOWN
Let’s start with the most obvious – keeping the volume down on those headphones of yours. We think it’s best to defer to the experts on this one so defer we shall; many health professionals recommend the 60/60 rule – listening to music on your phone at a maximum of 60% of its total volume and listening for no more than 60 minutes a day with head or earphones.
LIMIT TIME ENGAGED IN NOISY ACTIVITIES
Sorry to burst your bubble (at a safe distance from your ear, of course) but protecting those lugs of yours isn’t only about how loud you listen to music, but it’s also about the duration of exposure you put them through.
To counter this threat, have short listening breaks outside (the smoking area is the most fun part of a club anyway, right?) when going to nightclubs, concerts and other noisy places to reduce the overall duration of noise exposure. It’s also best to place yourself away from the sound sources, such as loudspeakers, at any venues you’re attending.
USE EARPLUGS AROUND LOUD NOISES
When it comes to hearing, protection is prevention. As such, you should be wearing earplugs or earmuffs when you’re around loud or sustained noises as a rule, if you value your hearing. Say what? You do value your hearing? Then read on…
This protective measure should include plugging in at night clubs, when seeing a concert or going to a festival, and if you’re working with noisy machinery, which can hit sound levels of up to 120 dB.
Even consider them for the tube, where it’s been reported that noise levels can get as high as 117 dB (Northern Line, we’re looking at you), which is equivalent to a loud rock concert. Imagine, Slayer blasting in your ears, twice a day, five times a week; although invigorating, they’re probably going to do some damage.
As a general rule, if you’re ever in a situation that forces you to shout at the person next to you, then you probably should be wearing earplugs.
Most earplugs sold at pharmacies are designed for swimming or to reduce irritating background noise when you’re sleeping, so double check that yours are designed specifically for hearing protection, rather than comfort.
NOISE CANCELLING HEADPHONES
We’re worried we’ve given headphones a bit of a bad rap in this article so far. Well, noise cancelling headphones work by blocking out background noise, and can therefore provide some protection. They’re not all bad, hey?
This means that you can keep the volume of your music or podcast at a lower level, whilst still being able to hear it properly, which in turn helps protect your hearing. Simple.
There are two types of noise cancelling headphones, and they work in different ways. Passive noise-cancelling headphones (PNC) work by physically blocking out sound waves with the material they are made out of whereas active noise cancelling headphones create their own sound waves, and use destructive interference to cancel out unwanted noise. Generally, the active kind is more expensive, and will protect your ears more comprehensively, but both do a job.
Whether you’re still working from home, have made a tentative return to the office, or are sitting this whole thing out for now, it’s safe to say that the standard working day may never look the same again. Experts predict flexible working will be the new normal once workers are permitted to return to the office properly, and in truth, some businesses may not have an option other than to introduce agile working policies in the future.
But those who adapt in business so often prosper. So instead of viewing this as a fatal blow to your profit margins, instead embrace the introduction of flexible working as an opportunity to advance company culture, better employee contentment and generally foster a happier, healthier working environment. Here’s how; our 5 ways to encourage a productive flexible working environment.
EMBRACE THE CHANGE
UK employees have a statutory right to request flexible working. However, the Office for National Statistics reports that before coronavirus, only 1.7m people from a workforce of 32.6m worked from home. That’s just 5%. Indeed, the number of UK businesses offering employees the opportunity of remote working is also low; less than 3 in 10.
Remote working during lockdown has given both employers and employees the opportunity to evaluate the possibility of telecommuting, or remote working full-time, and adapt and diversify their practices to fit in with this. By recognising that much of the hard work has now already been done – in setting up the systems, communication channels and structures – to encourage remote working, businesses should embrace the positive change this flexi working can bring.
Documented benefits of remote working include reduced time and expense commuting, better time management, improved morale and a decrease in tardiness. Since you’ve now completed most of the groundwork in shifting your company to remote working, it would be folly to return to old practices once this thing’s all over.
Should you be struggling to adapt to the home working environment, and want to embrace a virtual desktop home solution, then the cloud is a safer option for protecting your files. The cybersecurity experts at AVD suggest deploying a cloud desktop platform because it’s far simpler from a configuration and deployment perspective. What’s more, you’ll benefit from the power, security, and scalability.
ENSURE YOUR OFFICE IS SAFE
That said, there will, of course, sometimes be times when employees will have to be physically present at the office. Without clear and concise government guidelines on what a ‘covid-secure workplace’ should look like, businesses are having to exercise a fair amount of that infamous common sense to adapt.
Suggestions within business communities for safer office work include clear and strict adherence to existing social distancing rules and maintaining strict hygiene measures by hiring extra cleaning staff. In workplaces where keeping 2m apart is difficult, businesses are being asked to install personal protective equipment including desk shields and hand sanitising gel at all desks as standard, with hotdesking banned.
Responsible employers will also need to be particularly diligent with staff rotation and shift work. The number of staff in the office at any given time should be kept to a minimum, and shift work generally discouraged, since this makes an outbreak of covid-19 at work much harder to isolate and cover for.
DON’T RENEGE ON EMPLOYEE PROMISES
As a responsible employer, it’s your duty to ensure that positive practices fostered in the workplace aren’t forgotten about because your staff are now working flexibly or remotely. As such, do endeavour to make sure your colleagues have everything they need to complete their tasks efficiently from home. If your office’s work was largely computer based (that’s all of them, then), don’t just assume all workers will have laptops. You may well have to provide them.
Also consider providing stationary and other office supplies. It would be unfair to place the financial burden onto your staff to buy these items which were previously provided by the company.
Go beyond the basics as a responsible employer. If your company offered childcare during office hours, for instance, then just because staff are working from home doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t offer support in this area. Finally, should your company have previously provided mental health support, advice and counselling within office hours, make sure there’s still such a provision in place. Your business’s responsibility to employee welfare should not slip just because the physical workplace has dispersed.
KEEP A CULTURE OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & TEAMBUILDING ALIVE
We think it’s fair for workers to be concerned that the shift to ‘working from home’ puts company sponsored professional development at risk. Because personal development, such as inhouse training, night classes funded by the employer, team building excursions and even taking time out to be socially responsible (volunteering for a charity, perhaps), so often occurs under the jurisdiction of the office, there is a danger that it might be sidelined as companies streamline their offering in adjustment to covid-19.
It’s vital that as a responsible employer you continue to nurture any employee’s development, particularly with regard to mentoring. Although face-to-face interaction is inevitably going to be lessened with flexible working becoming the new normal, mentoring, sponsorship and scholarship programmes should be continued, for the benefit of both the employee and the company as a whole.
If an employer encourages, verbally and even financially, their staff to develop themselves personally and professionally, then the outcome is often a workforce able to perform productively without constant monitoring and management. And boosting that sense of independence and autonomy is going to be so integral in the coming months, with so many flexi working.
Equally as important as professional development is fostering a sense of team spirit and camaraderie, even from afar. One effective strategy is organising team-building trips, which offer colleagues an opportunity to bond in a non-work environment, developing deeper connections and understanding. Team-building trips can involve problem-solving activities, creative workshops or social initiatives, fostering stronger teamwork and shared purpose.
For organisations with globally dispersed teams, virtual activities such as online games, virtual coffee breaks or team-building sessions at corporate retreat venues can effectively bridge geographical and emotional gaps.
If you’re keen to go the extra mile (quite literally!), then organising a company retreat that brings colleagues together from all four corners of the globe is a wonderful way to encourage community, a common bond and collaboration.
Additionally, promoting recognition and celebration of individual efforts and team achievements can further strengthen a sense of unity and shared success among remote workers. With creative and flexible strategies, camaraderie from afar can be effectively cultivated, turning a remote workforce into a united, engaged and highly productive team.
SET RULES REGARDING WORK & HOME LIFE DISTINCTIONS
It might seem counterintuitive to set in stone company policy about not working, but it’s crucial that you do just that, in order to anticipate that unique sense of stress and inability to ‘turn off’ which flexi working can harbour. Indeed, there’s a risk that the increase in remote working will make striking the right balance between work and ‘life’ tougher than ever.
Consider making the setting of an out of office reply from 6pm until the next morning mandatory across the company, to discourage overworking in the evening. Also implement email and zoom call amnesties to allow for breaks throughout the day; at the very least, employ one for a morning, lunch, and afternoon break. Of course, setting these rules will depend on the unique circumstances of the company and its individual roles, but it is essential that the boundaries between work and home are respected.
Hong Kong is one of the busiest metropolia in the world, defined by towering skyscrapers that mingle with the clouds and a breakneck, bustling energy which doesn’t immediately mark it out as a kid friendly destination.
But away from the relentless pace of the streets, Asia’s World City has so much to offer families looking for adventure and ataraxia, equally.
It’s also an incredibly accessible place, convenient to get to and around. Hong Kong is well connected to other major capitals of the world, with flights from Melbourne to HongKongtaking just 9 hours, or London to Hong Kong clocking in at under 12. Once you’re there, travel within the city is fast, safe and incredibly efficient. Just get yourself an Octopus Card, hop aboard the MTR (Multi Transit Railway) and you’re good to go!
Now, all that’s left is to write your itinerary. We’re here to help with that; here are 5 IDEAL things to do in Hong Kong with kids.
ANIMALS & RIDES AT OCEAN PARK
It’s no doubt that theme parks are some of the best places to entertain the whole family and Hong Kong’s Ocean Park is no exception. This oceanarium has everything from thrilling rides to animal displays and shelters focusing on conservation and education.
Indeed, Ocean Park is one of the largest theme parks in Asia, attracting more than 7.7 million people every year. If it’s truly elite animal interaction you’re after, then Hong Kong’s Ocean Park boasts penguins, sharks but best of all, pandas! And what kid doesn’t love pandas? Here, they have two, Ying Ying and Le Le, as well as red pandas if your cuddly quota hasn’t yet been reached. Visitors can also get up close and personal with dolphins, seals, and more.
But it’s not just about the animals here. In addition, Ocean Park has some adrenaline raising rides (as well as some more kid friendly ones) to satisfy even the most ardent thrill seekers in the family. The Wild Twister is perhaps our favourite, defying gravity and providing awesome views of the famous Hong Kong harbour…what’s no to love?
One day tickets will set you back a cool HK$498 (around £50) for adults and HK$249 for children aged under 12, but there’s so much to see and do at Ocean Park that you might be better off adding on a FasTrack ticket for an extra HK$280 which grants priority access to seven rides. Worth it to beat the queues, we think.
THRILLS & LAUGHS AT THE AIA CARNIVAL
If you’re visiting Hong Kong during the winter months, make sure to check out the AIA Carnival. This annual event offers a variety of thrilling rides and carnival games for all ages. With over 60 different attractions, including roller coasters, bumper cars, and haunted houses, there’s something for everyone in the family. You can also indulge in some traditional carnival games and try your luck at winning a prize.
One of the highlights of the AIA Carnival is the incredible views it offers of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline, especially when riding the Ferris wheel which stands at 60 meters tall. You can also catch a glimpse of Victoria Harbour and enjoy stunning light displays during the evening. The AIA Carnival is also renowned for its delicious food stalls offering a variety of cuisines and treats, making it the perfect place to spend an evening with the family.
For families visiting Hong Kong during the carnival season, it’s a golden opportunity to experience the city’s joyous side, complete with the laughter of children and the cheer of the crowds. To avoid disappointment and to make the most of your visit, make sure you click for AIA Carnival tickets well in advance, ensuring your entry into this winter wonderland. Festive spirits soar here, as parents and children alike create memories amongst the enticing blend of sights, sounds, and smells that only a carnival of this stature can provide.
EXPLORE THE HONG KONG ZOOLOGICAL & BOTANICAL GARDENS
The oldest park in the city and one of the oldest zoos of its kind in the world, the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens was built in 1860 and spans 5.6 hectares. But enough of the facts and superlatives, you’re wondering what animals you can see, right?
You won’t be disappointed; not to be outdone by Ocean Park, this older, somehow more regal park boasts a rare selection of primates, including the Bornean Orangutan, Buff-Cheeked Gibbon and Golden Lion Tamarin to name but a few. There are also birds and reptiles on show; who doesn’t love checking out flamingos or the scarcely seen Sacred Ibis?
But perhaps the best part of the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens is the park area itself; sprawling, lush and an oasis of calm in the urban jungle, with over 1000 indigenous, tropical species of plants. A morning of letting your kids roam, satisfying their innate childlike curiosity, sounds perfect to us.
The park is open daily from 9am to 4:30pm and admission is free.
VISIT THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH
Not to be outdone on the rides front (we’re sensing a theme here), Disneyland, the self-proclaimed “happiest place on earth”, has an outpost in Hong Kong with all the usual magic, awe and wonder we’ve come to expect from this world conquering brand.
The list of things to do in this magical land, housed on Lantau Island, is endless; kids can get to watch colourful parades, meet their favourite characters, go on rides, and watch live shows. Some of the key attractions include Tarzan’s Treehouse, the Jungle River Cruise and the Hong Kong Disneyland Railroad, to name but a few.
If you’re heading here straight from the airport (we understand, sometimes it’s just too hard to contain the kids’ excitement), then it’s an easy trip. Hong Kong International Airport is also located on Lantau Island, and is just a 15 minute taxi ride from Disneyland. Just look out for a blue taxi and be prepared to pay around HK$140 (around £15). Buses and trains between the two are a little more convoluted and take more than an hour in total – not exactly the definition of stress free travel with the kids – so we’d recommend the expense of a taxi here.
EXPLORE THE MUSEUMS
For an educational as well as entertaining time for both kids and parents, then visiting the Hong Kong Museum of History is a great way to learn about the origins and life of the city. The crown jewel of the museum is a massive exhibition known as The Hong Kong Story, a display which covers more than 7,000 square feet and occupies two floors. It takes you on a journey through the history and development of Hong Kong with more than 4,000 displayed items including life-size replicas and audiovisual presentations.
The Hong Kong Science Museum, which is just next door, is great for any kids with a curious disposition. That’s all kids, then. Here, they have a ‘computer classroom’ which isn’t nearly as boring as it sounds. Inside, kids can interact with several different machines and learn how they function, the most popular of which is a driving simulation which occurs in a real (though static) car. There’s also a science movie theatre that showcases the many wonders of science besides having more than 5,000 other displays and exhibitions.
ENJOY THE INCREDIBLE SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS
The world’s biggest permanent light show, where 40 buildings around Hong Kong illuminate in perfect harmony, is a massive, jaw dropping spectacle which the kids will love. This dazzling show, set against the impressive backdrop of Victoria Harbour is a truly unforgettable experience and the perfect way to both round off your trip and this article. Bon Voyage! Or, as they say in Hong Kong, 一路順風.
Running a modern-day business, with all the conveniences and curses which the digital world has brought, requires a very different approach to the good ol’ days. Never was this truer than in the remit of security; protecting your business is a multi-faceted, ever changing game of chess which requires you to think several moves ahead if you’re to stay safe. Right now, these are the basic precautions you need to consider when running a company; our 6 IDEAL steps to better protecting your business.
ANTIVIRUS, FIREWALL & VPN
The virtual world requires a very different kind of protection to the physical, but in this day and age, cybercrime is the biggest threat to modern businesses, especially smaller brands that might not have adequate protection in place as standard. It’s imperative you get properly protected, then. Most crucially, do not get caught out on the basics; make sure that you have high-quality and up-to-date cyber security in the form of antivirus software, a firewall, and that you’re operating behind a VPN.
As more of us are working from home it’s never been as important to keep our data safe. David, a computer security expert from Firewall Technical, confirms this, saying that “when working from home it’s very important to use a firewall, anti-virus software and malware scanners as your computer system can be more vulnerable than in a business environment where tech teams lookout for this kind of thing for you”.
CLOUD ACCESS SECURITY BROKER
Following this, though many modern businesses use third-party cloud apps for their storage needs, they can also pose a security gap because they’ll be processing and storing company data. Subsequently, a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) is a prudent investment, as it enables you to monitor and control the usage of these apps so that you can restrict unauthorised access and protect important data from outsiders.
CYBERSECURITY TRAINING
Yep, it’s vital that you have the right security measures in place against online threats, but the best form of protection against cybercrime is prevention rather than cure. Stay abreast of the latest threats, then, by educating yourself and your team on safe usage of devices and how to protect data. This includes key steps like:
Complex passwords changed regularly
Two-factor authentication
Learning about scams
Backing up data externally
PHYSICAL SECURITY
Though protecting your online presence is where so much attention and capital is paid, it would be incredibly foolish to overlook the physical aspect of your company, too.
Especially pertinent is overnight security for your premises; criminals will target businesses because they know that offices are usually vacant overnight, and there may be cash and/or equipment on site. This is why you need to invest in physical security or manned security which can protect your business and stop criminals in their tracks. A few of the essential products worth using include:
While still considering the physical side of your business, fire is an ever present threat and one which needs to be taken seriously because it can do much more than damage the business. If you don’t adequately safeguard your premises, you could be breaking the law. You can protect your business from fire by:
Installing smoke detectors
Having ventilation
Having an emergency evacuation plan
Having fire extinguishers
BUSINESS INSURANCE
Many things can go wrong in the business world, especially in landscaping. This is why you need to have adequate landscaping insurance in place – especially important for smaller businesses that might struggle to manage certain problems.
An unforeseen disaster can bankrupt your company in the blink of an eye if you operate without insurance. What’s more, in many cases, you’ll be breaking the law by not having it. There are many different types of business insurance, and it will depend on your company, its nature and structure, but a few types to consider include:
Because we all need something to look forward to during this tough time, right? A little escapism on your screen, a lot of imagination from your sofa, and several months worth of foreplay to satisfy that wanderlust…with something to look forward to, we might just make it through.
So, although it wouldn’t be wise to book anything while the uncertainty lingers, it certainly doesn’t do any harm to plan a dream, bucket list heavy trip. With that in mind, here are 7 IDEAL destinations we can’t wait to visit once this thing’s all over.
MILAN, ITALY
Once borders are back open, the all clear given, and scientists have declared travel can be done responsibly, it’s to Italy we’re going to head. The country has taken one hell of a knock and solidarity needs to be shown at every turn.
Restaurants, bars and cafes have suffered immeasurably from the necessary lockdown, and will need serious patronage to get back up and running. We’re in love with Milan’s food scene; the thought of the first Osso Buco back in the city when the crisis is over is a delicious light at the end of the tunnel. Or should that be the saffron risotto through the hollow bone?
DA NANG & HOI AN, VIETNAM
If it’s escapism you’re after, then the break neck speed of growth and change in Vietnam might be just the ticket. The fastest growing city in one of the fastest growing economies in the world, Vietnam’s Da Nang has so much to offer; gorgeous beaches, five star resorts, a ‘downtown’ with an energetic vibe and a superb, proudly local cuisine based around the sea’s bounty.
Should the buzz get too much for you, a 45 minute drive away (if you’re brave enough, the motorbike ride parallel to the South China/East Sea is blissful) is Hoi An, one of the world’s most serene, stunningly beautiful towns.
Majestically preserved, pedestrianised and simply lovely, Hoi An is also home to Vietnam’s world famous silk and tailoring trade, with the skilled craftspeople here able to size you up and fashion you an outfit in record time (six hours on our last visit!). What better excuse to get kitted out in some fine new threads than to celebrate surviving a crisis?
SHANGHAI, CHINA
China is showing the first signs of an infection now under control, with tentative easing of lockdowns and a few face masks being peeled off. Breathe in that newly fresh air guys!
Shanghai, one of the world’s great party cities, is ready to go off when this thing is over. Clubs are starting to open again, and the rhythmic sound of bass and cocktail shakers is beginning to rise up in the city’s waterfront party district, The Bund (外滩). On the other side, of the crisis and the world, we can’t wait to be involved.
HAVANA, CUBA
Communism suddenly seems kinda necessary, right? And with the news that Cuba is sending doctors, knowledge and relief to Italy and other more ‘developed’ countries in need, a trip to Havana is high on the bucket list of future dream destinations.
The capital Havana is simply iconic, and the name so rhythmic, that we think there must be a song in there somewhere…oh, forget it. Anyway, the Caribbean’s most famous city is an idyllic mix of beautiful beaches, cobbled streets and a hugely overlooked cuisine.
With its 1950s American cars and peeling Spanish-style buildings, visiting is like being in a particularly hazy, extremely trendy Instagram shoot for your entire stay. Old Havana is a UNESCO-protected site, with 500 year old plazas, churches and winding streets just waiting to be explored.
For the most typically Havanan aesthetic, it’s got to be that Havana Vieja or the Centro Havana neighbourhood, where all the boxes on your Cuban adventure are resoundingly ticked. That’s salsa, cars, sandwiches…the works. That photogenic aspect is going to be sorely needed after months of domestic downtime. There are only so many #selfisolation snaps your Instagram can handle.
LISBON, PORTUGAL
Oh to be sitting on the banks of the Tagus somewhere in Baixa, with cerveja in hand and sun on face. Carefree days, indeed. Lisbon is a quick, convenient city break that has it all; a laid back yet exciting disposition, superb, proudly local cuisine, cobbled streets and attractive architecture, as well as a pulsing confidence and energetic, 24/7 nightlife. Moreover, it’s got a variety of beautiful apartments and villas to rent across the city…all the ideal ingredients which make Lisbon one of the finest European getaways around.
When choosing somewhere to stay, make sure you read up on Lisbon’s different neighbourhoods that all offer something a little different. If you’re looking for nightlife then the city’s bohemian quarter, Bairro Alto, which is quiet by day but comes alive at night could be for you. Equally Cais do Sodré, which is the city’s former redlight district, has a great nightlife and is right next to the Time Out Market where you can sample some of the city’s most famous dishes.
The steep and narrowed cobbled streets of Alfama, which survived the capital’s terrible 18th-century earthquake is the oldest part of Lisbon, as such, is the most emblematic quarter whereas the Baxia district shows of Lisbon’s grand and historic centre.
We can’t wait until these quick jaunts to the continent for city break weekends are once again dotted all over our calendar. Take us back (and forward a few months).
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
With a captivating blend of the futuristic and historic, Seoul is perhaps the most apt realisation of an ‘East meets West’ metropolis on the planet. And if there’s one thing this crisis has taught us, is that it’s about time we broke down borders and barriers, and came together to help one another, right?
Talking of breaking down barriers, perhaps when this thing is all over, the bouncers at Berghain might be a little more forgiving of our inherent lack of cool, and finally raise that red rope. There’s been a lot of talk of the ‘party to end all parties’ once we’ve defeated this thing. Even if it’s not with Sven, it’s in Berlin that we’ll be raising our glass.
Eastern Europe is known across the tech industry as having some of the most thriving software development companies in the world. And it’s IT outsourcing which is particularly prevalent in this part of the continent; in the last few decades, several Eastern European countries have experienced an average of 10% growth each year in their IT industries, and the rest of the world is taking note.
In 2017, Romania was the fastest growing economy in the EU, with an estimated GDP growth rate of 6.4%. And much of this growth was driven, and still is, by tech startups and IT outsourcing solutions. Why was that? The primary reasons were the country’s reduced hourly rates in comparison to Western Europe, many multilingual highly skilled professionals and the proximity to Central Europe. Keen to learn more? Here are 5 reasons to choose Romania for your business’s IT outsourcing.
TALENT
Romanian IT professionals are valued for their work culture, innovation, creativity, and most importantly, their excellent technical abilities. The majority of skilled IT workers are fluent in technical English, with many also speaking French, German, Spanish, Hungarian and other languages, too.
Inside the country, great emphasis is placed on the prevalence of gaining expertise working with software such as Java, JavaScript, .Net, PHP and several other platforms. This mixed skillset is attracting interest from businesses across the world.
UNIVERSITIES AND EDUCATION
There are 41 technical universities in Romania, producing approximately 5000 graduates every year, particularly in the field of computer and software engineering. This makes a total of 120.000 new specialists annually (software developers, software testers), with flexible, adaptable skills.
The Bucharest Tech Week, occurring annually in the first week of September, has become one of Europe’s focal points for innovation and ideas, with several business summits, events and expos bringing together some of the greatest minds in the industry.
RATES
Though Romania may not provide the same low rates as other global IT outsourcing hubs such as India, for a European country which is just an hour ahead of Berlin and two of London, prices represent excellent value for money. This enhanced accessibility and fluidity of practice, combined with the ability to offer services in house, make Romania an increasingly popular choice for those who value quality over quantity.
ACCESSIBILITY
Romania’s 13 year membership of the European Union is hugely beneficial to businesses considering IT outsourcing in the country reducing financial and legal concerns, and providing an extra blanket of business security. The IT industry of focused cities of Cluj-Napoca, Bucharest, Iasi and Targu Mures are well connected to both Western Europe and the East, which has insiders predicting even bigger growth in the future, as the global economy’s focus looks likely to shift further towards Asia in the coming years.
HIGH SPEED INTERNET
Without meaning to be crude and reductive, what would an industry focused economy be without a functioning internet infrastructure? Fortunately for potential customers, Romania is ranked as having the fifth fastest internet in the world (only behind Singapore, Sweden, Denmark and Norway) with an average of 38.6 Mbps measured in the last 12 months, up 81 percent compared with 2017.
When considering the cost of doing business in those countries above it, the value for money offered by Romania for IT outsourcing shouldn’t be sniffed at. In fact, there have been recent reports that the country has the cheapest super-fast broadband internet on the planet. Time to sink your teeth into the Land of Dracula, perhaps?
OTHER COUNTRIES TO CONSIDER
Ukraine
The IT industry in Ukraine has developed massively in recent years. The nation is well known for its well-educated IT professionals who are skilled on multiple platforms and offer competitive rates. This advanced development of the IT sector, in addition to the continuous increase in the amount of new developers annually, is offering new chances for potential clients. The core of the IT outsourcing business in Ukraine is the capital, Kiev.
Poland
According to Bloomberg, Poland is ranked among the most advanced IT countries in Europe. In fact, its IT sector is one of the key branches of the country’s economy. Poland provides one of the biggest working areas in Europe through its 120’000 IT specialists working in the country.
The majority of the IT outsourcing companies are located in Krakow and Warsaw, and with decades of experience behind them, the companies concentrate on software and hardware design. But everything has a price; Poland is by far among the most expensive countries on our list.
Belarus
Belarus has around 54.000 IT professionals, with half of them specialising in outsourcing. The IT industry is supported by the government, with tax exemptions for all residential IT companies offered. The epicentre of this sector is in Minsk, the capital city of Belarus. Believe it or not, this little country in Eastern Europe has over 50 years’ experience in technology development.
Bulgaria
A rapidly growing community of programmers are located in Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria. The highly educated, motivated and skilled professionals here, and the reduced costs in the country, put Bulgaria on the map as one of the key IT outsourcing alternatives in Easter Europe.
Mental Health Awareness Month has passed, but that shouldn’t mean the eleven remaining ones are spent ambivalent to the ups and downs of your wellbeing. With lockdown presenting upheaval and downtime which can be difficult to make sense of, it’s never been more important to take a moment to take care of yourself.
Recent research conducted by Nuffield Health – the UKs largest healthcare charity – revealed that over a third (36%) of people believe their mental health has got worse since the start of the lockdown. As such, it’s vital right now to be practicing acts of self care and inward facing kindness, which act as an antidote to worry, anxiety and low mood.
With that in mind, we’ve teamed up with Brendan Street, Professional Head of Emotional Wellbeing at Nuffield Health, to bring you these 5 IDEAL tips on practicing self care during lockdown.
RECOGNISE THAT BEING KIND TO YOURSELF IS GOOD FOR YOU
Self kindness is just so important for our wellbeing. Without stating the obvious, we spend more time in our own company than anyone else’s, and how we relate to ourselves has a huge impact on how we feel.
Indeed, self-compassion plays a vital role in our mental wellbeing and can act as a powerful antidote to many mental health difficulties. There are also physical benefits to be gained. Our bodies benefit from giving and receiving kindness with positive impacts on human physiology, including the immune and cardiovascular systems, nervous system and regulation of our genes.
So, during this topsy turvy time, go easy on yourself. If you want to chill on the sofa instead of conquering the complete works of Tolstoy, then do it. Should you need an afternoon off to regroup, give yourself one! If it’s cake and tea which brings you joy, for heaven’s sake, don’t deny your urges. This time is tough enough without adding extra pressure on your already burdened shoulders.
ACCEPT THAT NOBODY’S PERFECT
The idea of being kind to yourself can be a difficult concept for some people who find it much easier to be compassionate to others than to themselves. In fact, we have evolution to blame for that; science suggests that humans have developed to be overly self critical, to improve their alertness to danger. So, next time you’re laying in bed running through that stupid thing you blurted out at a party in 2007, blame your evolutionary biology.
Indeed, true self compassion involves being honest with ourselves and fully accountable for our actions, but with an understanding of what it really means to be human and the acknowledgement that no one is perfect.
PRACTICE GRATITUDE
In recent years, and beyond the usual wellness circles, it’s been well documented that practicing gratitude is a key contributor to happiness. Here at IDEAL, we like to turn that practice into print, by keeping a diary of daily appreciation. By doing the same, you may find yourself more grounded, humble, thankful and kind towards the world around you.
There are different ways to do this, but experts recommend keeping it concise and unique. Every morning just after waking, or each night before bed, try recording three things which you’ve enjoyed that day, or three you’re looking forward to tomorrow, or perhaps three things you’re grateful for in your life more generally. You’ll be amazed at how you feel your outlook shifting and optimism returning, even in these darker times.
It’s wise to approach this act with empathy, rather than simply going through the motions; if you’ve had a non eventful day, or aren’t feeling inspired to jot down anything mindful, don’t feel compelled to complete your journal. Instead, focus on depth, not breadth, and on people you appreciate, rather than things. In doing so, you’ll notice a gradual, growing warmth towards to world.
COMPASSION, NOT CRITICISM
Being cruel to ourselves is not motivating: instead, it leaves us feeling threatened and demoralised, and unable to fulfil our potential each day. That’s not to say you should go about life in a Teflon-coated bubble, immune to meaningful change. Quite the opposite, in fact. Compassionate self-correction and motivational self-talk can boost happiness and represent an effective means of enhancing our resilience and ability to cope with difficult situations.
So, endeavour to change that inner monologue to something more understanding. In doing so, you’ll start to reflect that compassion outwards and onto others, and that’s something we all need right now.
BE LESS OF A CRITIC, MORE OF A COACH
We are all too often our own harshest critic. A helpful tip is to try to imagine how a ‘kindness coach’ might help us approach the complexities and difficulties that life throws at us; they accept us ‘as we are’, not how we wish to be.
If you’ve succumbed to your vices during this tough time with an increased regularity for instance, rather than beating yourself up over it, your inner kindness coach would listen, interpret the reasons why, and offer helpful, healthy solutions to get you back on track, rather than dwelling on what you’ve done wrong.
Channel that energy today, and every day, and we can’t wait to meet you again on the other side.
Will things ever be the same again? Only a month or two ago, this felt like an unnecessarily dramatic question. Now, it’s pretty clear that we may never return to life as it we knew it before the coronavirus pandemic. While the extension of the Government’s furlough scheme to October is welcome news in providing continued support to businesses and employees, it is also an acknowledgement that many people will be kept in financial limbo for a long-time yet.
But as much of the nation remains confined to their homes, many may find they have extra time on their hands, thanks to their daily commute being from the bedroom to the living room, study or kitchen rather than a marathon slog on the tube, and certain demands of the day, such as getting dressed and meeting social obligations, suddenly redundant.
This extra time means you can crack on through the list of life admin you’ve been meaning to do for months. Amongst that, a little time spent reviewing your financial affairs can help you identify ways to save money and cut costs. So, with the help of Zoe Bailey, Director of Financial Planning at Tilney, here’s how to future proof your post-COVID finances, for some IDEAL financial planning from home.
GET A TRUE PICTURE OF YOUR OUTGOINGS
The first thing to do here is to work out what your current financial situation really is, and whether it the COVID crisis has impacted it significantly.
It’s not all bad news; right now, some will be making substantial savings on costs like daily travel, restaurant bills and trips out with friends and family. Others, however, will be feeling the pinch, with uncertainty over future employment and current enforced inactivity affecting millions.
By understanding the impact of the pandemic on both your income and your outgoings, you will be in a much better position to draw up a household budget to get through the current period and beyond.
SCRAP UNUSED SUBSCRIPTIONS, STANDING ORDERS & DIRECT DEBITS
You’d be surprised at just how many people continue to pay subscriptions, standing orders and direct debits without even realising. Thoroughly reviewing your actual outgoings, with a fine comb or better yet, your eyes, is an opportunity to identify any further savings.
For example, if you weren’t making use of your gym membership before the lockdown (and certainly, right now with all leisure centres closed!) then cancel it. Should you be paying members of Netflix, Amazon Prime, Sky Go and Disney Plus, well, ask yourself; do you really need all of them to flick mindlessly and never actually settle on a show to watch?
Consider where you can make cutbacks to regular costs; so, scrapping any unused subscriptions, finding a cheaper deal on recurring costs like your mobile phone, energy bills or car insurance. All of this will accumulate extra money at the end of the month which can go into savings, or be invested, in order to give you greater financial stability during these uncertain times and beyond. If there is a beyond, that is.
CHECK YOUR BANK BALANCES
Everyone should endeavour to have some ‘rainy day’ cash savings squirrelled away, to provide a financial buffer for emergencies and unusual times, such as, well, right now. While a large savings account can seemingly provide a sense of security, over time the future spending power of that cash will be slowly eroded by inflation.
As a first step, pay off any loans or credit card debts if you are able to do so without incurring any prohibitive early repayment penalties. Take a long, hard look at how much cash you need to keep readily available. Consider feeding any excess cash that you can identify as unlikely to be needed in a hurry into investments for the longer-term.
REVIEW EXISTING INVESTMENTS AND THINK ABOUT OTHERS
Anyone with existing investments should take stock of what they already own and not leave this until the end of the tax year like so many typically do. The past is behind us but what matters from here on in is being positioned as well as can be for the future.
And while many of us will naturally shy away from the idea of investing when markets have experienced a period of turmoil, investing capital during periods when share prices have weakened can present really strong opportunities for long-term investors.
If you are looking to get started, then feeding cash into investments in stages over the coming weeks and months can help smooth out the daily ups and downs. Consider traditionally ‘safe’ investments such as gold, too.
PLAN FOR SUPPORTING YOUR FAMILY
If you’re married or living with your partner, have children or older parents, then it’s likely that you’ll be giving extra thought to your family’s future and what your financial situation currently is in terms of long-term support for them.
Now might be a time to consider providing them with a financial helping hand. Indeed, all taxpayers can make financial gifts of up to £3,000 per annum without adverse tax implications. Financial gifting in your lifetime means that you can help family members when they are younger and perhaps in greater need – for example, to clear debts, buy their first home, raise a family or start a fledgling business – as well as reducing potential liability to Inheritance Tax on your assets when you die.
HAVE A RETIREMENT CHECK-UP
If you’ve been planning for retirement, whether it be in a year, or 5 or 10, or even longer, the value of your pensions might have dropped as a result of falling investments or reduced monthly contributions.
Now is a good time to undertake a pensions check-up as well as considering other retirement planning measures, be it delaying your proposed retirement date or if you’re about to withdraw, consider taking money from a different pot rather than a pension which comes with greater risks.
PROTECT YOURSELF FOR THE FUTURE
While we all hope we are over the worst of the crisis, there is no telling what the future will hold. The economy will eventually bounce back but managing our money effectively will remain a challenge, so it’s important to think about how we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from future economic uncertainty.
Think carefully about insurance arrangements, like life cover, critical illness cover or income protection, which will protect your finances should anything unexpected happen, and perhaps even more importantly, give you greater peace of mind in tackling this troubling, topsy turvy time.
*Anything written by IDEAL Magazine is not intended to constitute financial advice. Always consult with an independent financial advisor or expert before making an investment or personal finance decisions.*
IDEAL for those looking to navigate uncertain times with a little more clarity.
It’s a tale as old as time itself; staring into the abyss and wondering what happens once the lights go out. It’s natural to be gripped by a certain fearful feeling when contemplating life’s biggest question, and then to sweep it under the carpet along with all the other dust we eventually become.
As reported by the FT “Overall, an estimated 37 per cent, or 19.5m, of the UK’s adult population has bought or thought about buying life insurance to date” and it seems like ignorance is bliss in this department. But life insurance policies come with more benefits than you may have initially realised. If you’re considering investing in one, then let’s first look at the reasons why that might be a good idea; here are 5 of the benefits of life insurance.
LIFE INSURANCE 101
First, let’s take a step back before we dive into those benefits and look at what life insurance actually is.
Sometimes called ‘life or death cover’, life insurance is a financial product which involves paying a monthly premium to an insurance company – the amount of which is dependent on your age, overall health, lifestyle, family medical history occupation and other mitigating factors – who pledge to take care of an element of your finances when you die. This could be, for instance, paying off your mortgage, covering the cost of your funeral, or helping your spouse with a regular income which you would have otherwise provided.
The average cost of the premium for a healthy adult between the ages of 18 and 70 is around $67.88 (£54) a month for a $250’000 life insurance policy, which is equivalent to £198’715.
Though the payout doesn’t happen until you pass away, the benefits shouldn’t be overlooked. Life insurance is designed to protect your loved ones from the financial strain that will arise when they no longer rely on your income to survive.
TYPES OF INSURANCE POLICIES
There are several types of life insurance policy to consider. Here are four of the most common:
Term life insurance – This is the most popular type of life insurance and will provide cover for a fixed period. A lot of the time, policyholders will reduce their premiums by agreeing to decrease term life insurance. However, the potential payout will also come down, typically in line with a repayment mortgage.
Whole life insurance – This results in a payout when you die. Even so, this reassuring security comes at a price and you’ll be paying premiums late into life.
Convertible term insurance – This offers a fixed term policy that can be changed to a whole of life or endowment policy at the end of term without having to provide additional medical evidence.
Over 50s life insurance – This type of policy is designed for people aged-50-79 and doesn’t involve questions or an assessment of the applicant’s medical health or history.
CUT TO THE CHASE, WHAT ABOUT THOSE BENEFITS YOU MENTIONED?
If you’re still on the fence about getting a policy, then here are those 5 benefits we promised earlier.
PEACE OF MIND
If you ever find yourself in a position where your chances of surviving are uncertain, or if you simply want to enjoy your retirement with that extra blanket of security, you can at least know that your family won’t struggle financially after you are gone. This will make your final days less painful, and can afford you time and headspace to focus on going out with dignity, surrounding by loved ones who will be taken care of once you’re gone.
SUPPORT YOUR FAMILY
More than simply covering the basic necessities and helping your family survive, life insurance payouts can actually help fund their goals and dreams. The average life insurance payout in the UK is £51’500; an amount not to be sniffed at, we think, when the monthly fee is little more than an extra phone bill or Sky TV subscription. It’s money that can be used to finish paying out the house, buy a new house, or fund your kid’s education.
LIVING BENEFITS
Life insurance policies often come with many potential living benefits. For example, if you are diagnosed with a terminal condition, your life insurance may pay out partially or completely right away, so that you can use the money to pay medical bills and even to have fun with your family in your final years or months.
ADDITIONAL COVERAGE
Life insurance isn’t necessarily a stand-alone premium, separated from your other outgoings. In fact, you can often get other types of insurance bundled in with your life insurance, saving you a packet by doing so. Disability insurance is a popular choice; it replaces your salary in case you are rendered unable to work for long periods of time and is often combined with life insurance with lower premiums than if they were separated.
FINANCIAL TOOLS
Having life insurance can be financially advantageous in many ways. You may be able to borrow money from your insurance policy, withdraw some of your premiums at a later stage, and life insurance payouts are usually tax-free. All reasons to consider investing in your family’s future once you’re gone, we think.
You can learn more about life insurance and compare prices by visiting Insurance Hero.
The Mekong River is one of the world’s great bodies of water. Stretching for over 4000km and crossing the borders of six countries, its cultural and culinary influence over each is huge. For so many, its ebb and flow defines daily life.
It’s along the lower Mekong, which forms the border between Myanmar and Laos before flowing beyond, which we’ll traverse today. In doing so, you’ll glimpse the rich, diverse and distinct life of four South East Asian countries and have the chance to interact with their beautiful communities and culture. Falling in love with this incredible part of the world is all but guaranteed. Check out these 5 IDEAL stops on your Mekong river cruise.
CHIANG RAI, THAILAND
The Upper Mekong River begins in the Jifu Mountains, taking water from the melting snow of the Himalayas before running south and onwards to where the borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand meet. Sometimes referred to as the Golden Triangle, this marks the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers, the former of which continues into Myanmar whilst the latter takes us on our Mekong cruise south east.
Chiang Rai is a picturesque, culturally significant town in Thailand’s northernmost province (also of the same name), famed for its majestic and ornate Buddhist temples and delicious Northern Thai Lanna food. Make sure you pay a visit to Wat Phra Kaew, one of the country’s most stunning temples.
LUANG PRUBANG, LAOS
Onwards and across the border to Luang Prubang, which, although not the country’s capital, is arguably Laos’ most compelling town. The royal capital until 1975, it still retains a distinct regalness and bundles of charm. A Mekong river cruise cuts a swathe right through the heart of the town, with cafes and restaurants lining the south bank.
And though Laotian food isn’t perhaps as internationally recognised as it should be, now is the time to hop off your cruise and get stuck in. Luang Prabang is a great place to start discovering this country’s diverse and delicious cuisine as it has a great mix of street food, markets and the emergence of a few fine dining places owing to its recent surge in tourism.
Be sure to order the salt grilled fish which you wrap in lettuce leaves and dip in a variety of fiery dipping sauces; that’s ‘miang pla pao’ to the locals and the famous laap pla (minced catfish salad).
A stroll around the historic centre is a must, too. Comprised of four main roads, the focal point being Sisavangvong Road, there are cute boutiques and markets aplenty for souvenir shopping.
SIEM RIEP, CAMBODIA
Perhaps the most charming aspect of a Mekong River cruise is being able to travel on a traditional long tail boat (pimped out of course and eminently comfortable for a couple of weeks on board) and take in floating markets and rural communities at a canter.
Heading south from Laos to Cambodia will take the best part of a day but is well worth the gentle pace in between, allowing you to appreciate the full scope of the Mekong’s powers. Check out the bespoke tours from Rainforest Cruises for arguably the most all encompassing Mekong cruise around.
As you enter Cambodia’s north west, the first significant stop will be Siem Reap. Though this town may be compact in size, culturally and culinarily it packs one hell of a punch. It’s most famous as the gateway town which serves the world famous religious site Angkor Wat, and if you have time to explore this incredible wonder of the world, don’t miss the chance!
The town itself is peaceful and brimming with brilliant food. Our pick of the bunch is Spoons, a celebration of the country’s much underrated cuisine and a philanthropic operation to boot. Cuisine Wat Damark is another superb Siem Reap restaurant, doing Khmer fine dining with respect for its heritage at the very highest level. Check out our tips on the IDEAL things to do in Siem Reap, Cambodia if you’re looking to spend a day or two here.
TAN CHAU, VIETNAM
Two hours south of Cambodia’s capital Phnom Penh and across the border into Vietnam, you’ll reach Tan Chau, a charming place famous globally for its silk production. The Mekong defines Tan Chau, with floating villages forming much of the focal point here.
A visit to Tan Chau silk factory, which still uses old school methods and traditional looms, is a must. This is craftsmanship at its most skilled, and the labour intensive production methods lead to premium product, both in quality and price. Budget your souvenir shopping accordingly; it would be a shame if you’d run out of spending money before reaching Tan Chau!
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM
Your Mekong river cruise will end in Vietnam’s largest and most happening city, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). Here you can experience the country’s dynamism and ambition full throttle. It’s a megacity, make no mistake, but one with bags of character and history.
Ben Thanh Market, District 1, is the foodie focal point of the city, with vendors slinging bowls of nourishing soup from early in the morning until closing time at around 7pm. Many of Ho Chi Minh City’s best food options are closeby, so head here if you’re looking to get fed. The backpacker street Bui Vien is also walking distance away, and is always entertaining for a quick beer and some people watching.
If you’re looking for some culture after satisfying your culinary curiosity, then the Reunification Palace, made famous on newsreels during the American/Vietnam War as tanks crashed through the gates, should be your first stop. Just a ten minute walk from there is the War Remnants Museum; a deeply harrowing but vital documenting of the horrors of war.
So there you have it; the ultimate Mekong River Cruise. Do send us a postcard when you’re on terra firma again!
Ideal for groups looking for something fun and wholesome.
Hen party planner; who’d want to be one? It’s one of the finest juggling acts outside of the circus, make no mistake.
Come to think of it, things can be a little circus like. Firstly, there are so many conflicting, competing preferences at play, from those intent on binge drinking to those who’d like a more wholesome affair, it can be tough to please everyone. Secondly, there are hugely divergent opinions on what’s a suitable budget for a hen party event, and just how much organised fun is actually welcome. And finally, let’s be honest; most hen parties are simply various delay tactics until the tequila shots and dancing begin.
Traditionally, no one cares about the wholesome virtuous part you’ve got planned for the day time. But things seem to be changing, with industry insiders pointing to a growing trend in daytime hen parties and a decrease in the desire for unrestrained drinking later on.
So, perhaps it’s time to banish those bride-to-be badges, personalised t-shirts and L plates, and go for something more civilised. With that in mind, here are 5 alternative London hen party activity ideas, IDEAL for those parties looking for something fun and wholesome.
CRAZY GOLF
Fore! Call us crazy, but we think a spot of golf on a sunny afternoon is a really fun, unique idea for a hen party. Because why should a largely male dominated sport be the preserve of the gents?
The professionals at TheLeftRough.com state that ‘learning golf can be really hard’, with equipment expensive and clubs still infuriatingly exclusive. As such, perhaps crazy golf is a better option for your light hearted hen do day out?
London boasts some excellent courses. Perhaps the pick of the bunch is Plonk Crazy Golf, which has four sites across London, in London Fields, Camden Market, Shoreditch and Forest Hill. You could make a proper day of it and go to all four? Once again; fore!
AFTERNOON TEA PARTY
If you’re looking to keep things truly sophisticated and civilised, then enjoying a ceremony of tea, cakes, scones, sandwiches and bubbles in the world’s capital of afternoon tea could be just the ticket.
London has afternoon tea celebrations to suit all budgets. If you’re up for the most traditional affair out there, then look no further than afternoon tea at the Ritz, which will set you back £61 but comes with a selection of 18 premium loose leaf teas and food fresh from their Michelin starred kitchen, all enjoyed under the glittering chandeliers of this most famous London establishment.
For something more unique, try the afternoon tea bus tour by B Bakery, which is held on a vintage double-decker bus and takes in the sights of the famous city while you eat, drink and make merry.
This one does exactly what it says on the glass capsule, but let’s be honest; what sounds more perfect than a group of girlfriends gathered on the London Eye enjoying top quality chocolate?
For £55 each, you’re given two rotations on the iconic big wheel with panoramic views throughout, and whilst inside your very own pod, the famous Hotel Chocolat will provide a truffle tasting session of a selection of their bespoke chocolates, along with two glasses of bubbly and a goodie bag to take home! Lovely stuff.
RECORDING STUDIO EXPERIENCE
Is the bride-to-be a budding Beyonce or aspiring Alicia Keys? Do they think they’ve got a voice to match Taylor Swift or a unique style which could land them a role in the rumoured Girls Aloud reunion? Well, a London based professional recording studio experience could be the perfect way to make the hen feel special at their party.
The offer here usually involves anything from one to eight hours (though three hours is standard) of studio time, using a producer with years of professional experience and a shiny CD gift of the hen’s singing to take away at the end of it. Red Letter Days are one of the best studios in London for such an experience, and offer 3 hours in the booth for a wholly reasonable £160. Perhaps you could join forces to record a group hit?
A DAY AT THE RACES
A day out at the races in London could just be the ideal hen party activity, allowing guests to get dressed up but also a little wild, too. If you’re going to go big here, then consider Ascot, an hour from Waterloo, and the most famous spectacle of its kind.
The Royal Ascot racing meet takes place each June, and is one of the key events for sports and fashion loving socialites each calendar year. The five day festival of fun happens each June and sees Ladies Day fall on the middle day of the run.
The Royal Ascot dress code is strict – in the words of the official decree; ‘formal daywear when inside the Royal Enclosure…dresses and skirts should be of modest length, falling just above the knee or longer. Tops and dresses should have straps of one inch or greater’ – but the vibe is still frivolous and fun.
Ideal for those looking to upgrade without spending a fortune.
If you’re in the market for a new phone, you probably know that you have a few different options to consider. You could purchase the phone outright from a manufacturer like Apple, sign up for a smartphone contract and spread the cost over months or years, buy a second-hand phone from eBay, Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, or opt for a refurbished handset.
In recent years, many consumers have been leaning into the latter, and there’s a reason why refurbished phone handsets are getting more and more popular. Not only do they help reduce significant expense and financial commitment, but you’ll also often get a wider choice of handsets to choose from.
If you’re not too fussed about getting the latest model, then this is perhaps the most savvy option you can choose. Just ensure that you buy a phone case for your refurbished model as all modern phones, regardless of make, are fragile and prone to damage – in fact, every year in the UK £680 million is spent fixing broken phone screens. You don’t want to be part of that statistic, do you?
Still not convinced? Let’s delve a little deeper. Here are 4 reasons to buy a refurbished smartphone, IDEAL for those looking to upgrade without spending a fortune.
THE POTENTIAL TO FIND A BETTER DEAL
First and foremost, you’re going to save money prioritising a refurbished phone over a new model, no matter which way you look at it.
Handsets are a bit like cars – the minute you take a phone out of its box, it’s lost some of its value, just like driving a brand new car out of the showroom depreciates its value rapidly.
Compared to getting your new smartphone handset via a monthly contract, a refurbished phone can also work out much cheaper over the long run. While you’ll probably pay more initially to cover the cost of the phone when you buy it, after a few months, you’ll begin to see huge savings as your monthly expenses will clock in at far less.
We’ve all looked at the breakdown of a contract and wondered why on earth it has to be quite so expensive, right?
Let’s undertake a little case study. If you purchase an iPhone XR from Apple, it would currently cost £25.99 a month over 24 of them, or £629 upfront for handset only. That’s not even including a plan.
Or, you could get a refurbished model for around £400-500 depending on the condition, and a SIM card separately. As an example, in the case of UK company Lebara Mobile, should you choose from one of Lebara’s plans, you could instead start your contract at just £5 per month for 1,000 minutes and texts and 2GB of data, which over 24 months would add up to £120. The handset and contract combined, then, still wouldn’t cost as much as the handset alone from Apple. Food for thought, for sure.
ENJOY THE SAME FUNCTIONALITY
One of the biggest worries that most people have when they decide to purchase a refurbished phone is whether or not the device is going to work as well as a brand-new one. Many people mistakenly believe that refurbished phones must have been broken or damaged in the past and are, therefore, more likely to have something go wrong with them, but this simply isn’t the case.
In fact, any reputable seller of refurbished phones will provide a guarantee on the functionality of the phone via warranty. Should such a provision not be in place, then shop elsewhere. But if this is offered as standard, then you should be reassured moving forward that the phone’s reliability isn’t compromised.
This isn’t usually the case when you’re buying second-hand. Doing so represents greater risk because you’re buying the phone as seen and if something does happen to be wrong with it when you get it home, you likely won’t be able to return it or have any repairs covered.
Most reputable sellers will provide you with a twelve-month warranty as standard. In that first year of owning your phone, if it breaks down or has any other faults that aren’t caused by accidental damage, all you will need to do is take it back and you’ll be entitled to a refund that you can spend on replacing the phone, or a like-for-like replacement.
FULLY TESTED AND READY TO GO
Purchasing a refurbished phone also comes with the guarantee that your new (but relatively old) handset has been extensively repaired and fully tested by professionals to ensure that they are in good working order, with all memories of the previous owner erased.
This marks out buying a refurbished phone from a reputable company as a more hassle free move than sourcing one from, say, Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace. The last thing that you want when buying a second-hand phone is to have to waste your time trying removing the old owner’s account from the handset, or even coming across photos or messages that can’t unsee. For the voyeurs among us, that’s perhaps a positive, but for the rest, it’s an unwelcome obstacle to use.
When you purchase a refurbished phone, you can be assured that all data has been completely wiped, so you’ll feel like the phone is brand new and fully yours to get stuck into.
IT’S ECO-FRIENDLIER
Finally, arguably the best thing about buying a refurbished phone instead of a brand new model is that it’s much kinder for the planet, and making conscious consumer choices which lead to a healthier planet should be something we’re all doing right now. The more people buying refurbished phones, the less demand there is going to be for producing brand-new ones and the harvesting of conflict minerals required for their production.
It’s always better to reuse, recycle and favour cyclical purchasing habits, and buying refurbished will prevent a perfectly good device from going to landfill unnecessarily, where the precious metals and plastics contained in the electronics of a mobile handset can pollute the air and contaminate drinking water and soil.
THE BOTTOM LINE
If you’re in the market for a new phone, but don’t want to spend over the odds or contribute to pollution in the process, then a refurbished phone could well be right for you. Always buy off a reputable supplier and do your due diligence on the final cost, combined with a SIM and contract, before signing on the dotted line. Good luck!
Ideal for those looking to explore the other side of the party island.
It’s a rite of passage into middle age for so many. Amnesia becomes a vaguely quaint forgetfulness. Pacha transitions into a passion for gardening and that sense of Privilege felt in your younger years changes into a gratitude for continued health and wellbeing.
When Black Coffee becomes a green tea, and you’re downward dogging to Enya rather than down’n’dirty to Guetta, well, it’s time to accept your partying days are beyond you.
But more and more of us who have hung up our dancing shoes are realising we’re still drawn to the world’s most famous party island. The magic is still very much there, in myriad other ways. Yep, it’s still eminently possible to have a fantastic time on the White Island without a month long comedown to follow. Here’s how; our 5 of the best ways to unwind in Ibiza, IDEAL for those looking to explore the other side of the party island.
NATURE WALKING
Ibiza is blessed with some truly stunning scenery, and though of course the focus of that falls on the splendid beaches, there’s some cracking landscapes to be found inland, too. Best explored on foot, the hiking trails encompass mountains, rugged grassland, caves and plenty of coastline.
For hiking enthusiasts looking for somewhere remote, the island’s north is where you should head. The Es Sanar beach to Sant Carles church trail takes in approximately 12 kilometres of manageable terrain and spectacular views, and around three hours of your time.
Alternatively, the island’s most famous ‘secret spot’ (an oxymoron and a half, we know) is Atlantis, found on Ibiza’s south west. This secluded cove can be found in the Cala d’Hort nature reserve, and as such, makes for a fantastic day of hiking and exploration.
GO ON A YOGA & WELLNESS RETREAT
The perfect antidote to years of sore limbs and sorer heads acquired on Ibiza’s dancefloors, it seems like every DJ and his dog has moved into the yoga and wellness world. Not that we’re judging; Ibiza provides some of the finest yoga retreats on the planet, poised to serve everything from absolute beginners to those who can twist themselves several shades of pretzel.
On the perenially peaceful northern side of the island, Mojo Rising Yoga is perhaps our favourite retreat on the whole island, with blissful views of the Mediterranean to enjoy during your practice, and gorgeously appointed guest rooms, a swimming pool and a ‘soul kitchen’ cooking delicious, wholesome food each day. Bliss.
STROLL THE VINEYARDS OF CAN RICH WINERY
Hey, just because we’re taking it easy and not gurning our way through the dancefloors of Ibiza’s superclubs anymore doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a drop or two on our holiday. In fact, we’re pretty sure the title of this article mentioning ‘unwineding’, right?
Hmmm. scrap that last paragraph. Anyway, to combine that spirit of getting out there and amongst nature with the desire to have a glass or two, consider taking a tour of the island’s vineyards. Our favourite is the Can Rich Winery, on Ibiza’s west coast. These wine wizards do everything organically in their Buscatell vineyards, without chemicals or fertilizers, and combine local and imported grapes to produce to truly great bottles.
The site is also home to over 3000 olive trees, and they press their own extra virgin olive oil on site. Let’s just say the receivers of any souvenirs from your Ibiza trip are very lucky indeed!
FIND PEACE IN FORMENTERA
A popular day trip from Ibiza, you can get to this smallest of the Balearic Islands by ferry in around half an hour from the south side of the island. It’s certainly worth the journey; it’s a laid back, unspoiled place to spend time with pristine beaches aplenty. Indeed, Formentera is the perfect tonic after spending time in the hustle, bustle, buzz and bluste of Ibiza.
There’s a bohemian vibe here, with plenty of cute coffee shops and fish restaurants to keep you refreshed and fed. We particularly love Fonda Pinatar, a lovely little seafood eatery with outdoor tables, cooking the catch of the day with little fuss and lots of flavour. It’s just a ten minute taxi ride from Port de Formentera (La Savina), where your ferry drops you. Alternatively, you can hire a motorbike from the port and explore the island on two wheels. Heaven!
KICK BACK ON CALA XUCLAR
In the relatively secluded and peaceful northern side of Ibiza sits Cala Xuclar, a horseshoe-shaped bay which is said to be the last vestige of proper sand-based solitude to be found on the White Island. Something to savour, then.
Should you be looking to escape the tourist throngs and enjoy some respite from the 24 hour madness of Ibiza Town (it’s about as far from here as geographically possible within the island), then it’s to Cala Xuclar you should head.
Now your itinerary is largely sorted, it’s time to get start thinking about the finer details of your trip. Check out this guide on what to pack for a trip to Ibiza, and don’t forget the sunscreen!
