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5 REASONS TO CHOOSE ROMANIA FOR YOUR BUSINESS’S IT OUTSOURCING

Editorial Team
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5 REASONS TO CHOOSE ROMANIA FOR YOUR BUSINESS’S IT OUTSOURCING

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.

5 IDEAL STEPS TO BETTER SELF CARE DURING LOCKDOWN

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 IDEAL STEPS TO BETTER SELF CARE DURING LOCKDOWN

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.

HOW TO FUTURE-PROOF YOUR POST-COVID FINANCES

Editorial Team
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HOW TO FUTURE-PROOF YOUR POST-COVID FINANCES

For the IDEAL financial planning from home.

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.*

5 BENEFITS OF LIFE INSURANCE

Editorial Team
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5 BENEFITS OF LIFE INSURANCE

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.

5 IDEAL STOPS ON YOUR MEKONG RIVER CRUISE

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 IDEAL STOPS ON YOUR MEKONG RIVER CRUISE

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!

TIME WITH THE GIRLS: 5 ALTERNATIVE LONDON HEN PARTY ACTIVITY IDEAS

Editorial Team
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TIME WITH THE GIRLS: 5 ALTERNATIVE LONDON HEN PARTY ACTIVITY IDEAS

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.

That, or you could try your hand at hosting your own. Check out our tips on throwing the perfect afternoon tea party for some inspiration.

LONDON EYE HOTEL CHOCOLAT TASTING EXPERIENCE

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.

Perhaps lady luck will shine on your bride-to-be?

4 REASONS TO BUY A REFURBISHED SMARTPHONE

Editorial Team
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4 REASONS TO BUY A REFURBISHED SMARTPHONE

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!

5 OF THE BEST WAYS TO UNWIND IN IBIZA

Travel Team
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5 OF THE BEST WAYS TO UNWIND IN IBIZA

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!

4 BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES WHICH CAN IMPROVE YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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4 BEHAVIOURAL CHANGES WHICH CAN IMPROVE YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH

Give yourself a pat on the back. You’ve come this far, in the middle of a pandemic, with your faculties intact and your outlook still positive. And we’re not just making assumptions. How do we know this? Because you’ve landed on this article, of course, with a renewed desire to make positive changes to your life. We’re here for that level of optimism, and we’re here for you, too.

Living a balanced and healthy lifestyle has been no mean feat recently, with daily life’s demands not going away, but on top of them, new and unfamiliar forms of stress have reared their ugly head, too. Stay in the safe lane, keep fit and focused, and continue pushing to be a better person, with these 4 behavioural changes guaranteed to improve your physical health.

A BALANCED AMOUNT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

We all know that exercise is an essential aspect of healthy living, for body and mind, and the science behind the benefits a daily workout brings is irrefutable. Despite the ubiquity of the message, we’re going to repeat it anyway, because it doesn’t hurt to reiterate; a regular exercise regime brings abundant, all encompassing benefits to your life. 

According to Harvard Medical School, ‘adding as little as half an hour of moderately intense physical activity to your day can help you avoid a host of serious ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, depression, and several types of cancer, particularly breast and colon cancers. Regular exercise can also help you sleep better, reduce stress, control your weight, brighten your mood, sharpen your mental functioning, and improve your sex life’. I mean; who doesn’t want all of that?

It’s vital, then, that you take your time to develop a proper routine, to really get the most from your exercise. You don’t need to do anything extreme, nor spend money joining a gym if you don’t feel it’s your thing. As long as you’re doing a minimum of one hour a day, three times a week, or half an hour daily, you’ll be doing enough to make a serious, positive difference to your life. 

IMPLEMENT HEALTHY EATING HABITS

Inextricably linked with exercise and good physical health, you need to make sure you’re eating a balanced diet if you’re to truly feel (and look, and think) better. This means covering all the major food groups, eating enough fruit and vegetables, and not consuming a ton of processed foods and fats. 

Healthy eating shouldn’t be all about denial and feelings of guilt surrounding food. Some of the best advice we’ve heard recently is to simply add one extra portion of vegetable or fruit to every meal, getting those nutritional benefits without a great deal of extra thought or effort.

One way our eating can get ahead of itself is through a lack of planning in terms of portion size. So many of us simply make a meal of the same size regardless of the amount of people we’re serving, whether that’s because we’re lazy to downscale a recipe, or we don’t have the range of cooking vessels at home required for a smaller sized helping. ‘We’ll freeze the rest’ we mentally note, knowing full well that the remainders will make a great midnight snack after a couple of evening beers. 

To negate this, use foresight and strategy to your advantage. Plan your portion sizes carefully – easily divisible into single meals, for instance – and resist the urge to devour the rest as a treat. There are tools, platforms and websites out there, like the NHS’ Healthier Families platform, which can help you refine your meal plan into something manageable, nutritious and delicious.

REDUCE ALCOHOL INTAKE

The reasons to cut down or quit alcohol are stark and, when you drill down into some of the statistics, actually pretty shocking.

Heavy alcohol consumption can damage vital body organs like the kidneys, liver, pancreas and digestive tract. That’s not all; excessive and extended consumption can do serious damage to the ticker, too, making drinkers more susceptible to heart disease. Indeed, in the UK there are around 8’000 deaths a year directly linked to alcohol, as well as countless more hospital admissions. 

If you’re struggling to quit or cut back, then it’s really important to remember and cherish the positive change which doing so can bring. Physically, most abstainers report having a better complexion and figure; something no amount of beauty products can match. Mentally, a more positive mindset, greater energy and ambition, and clarity of thought are common; something no amount of brain training can achieve. And financially, the money saved on not going out and blowing your paycheck on the booze is really, truly significant. 

QUITTING OR NEVER START SMOKING

Not to be outdone by alcohol’s impact on your life, quitting smoking is consistently cited as the most significant change you can make. If you do smoke, brace yourself for this shocking statistic; the habit accounts for nearly 100’000 deaths a year in the UK alone, with half of long term smokers dying prematurely. 

When you quit, the positive effects start to occur remarkably quickly. Seriously, remarkably, incredibly quickly; after just twenty minutes (!) the good vibes begin, with your pulse and blood pressure returning to normal. After 8 hours, your carbon monoxide levels are back to where they should be; a day later, your risk of having a heart attack is lowered; 48 hours on and damaged nerve endings being regrowth; 72 and the lung’s bronchial tubes open up; two weeks on and your circulation is markedly improved; after one month you’ll notice exercise is easier and after six, there’ll be less mucus and phlegm will be coming up….phew, we’ve earnt a breather.

Aaaah; after a year cigarette free, dramatic improvements in lung capacity will have you breathing easier, and three years on, your risk of a heart attack is that of a non-smoker. Five years from your final cig, the risk of lung cancer has been halved and ten years on, it’s equivalent to a non smoker. Fifteen years of being smoke free – we promise we’ll stop soon – and you’re no more likely to have a heart attack or stroke than someone who’s never smoked. 

Please, after reading that, it’s a no-brainer, right?

*This article is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment given by a qualified health professional. Instead, this article only provides information, not advice. For any medical enquiries, always consult your GP first*

HOW TO CREATE THE IDEAL WINE BAR EXPERIENCE AT HOME

Joseph Gann
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HOW TO CREATE THE IDEAL WINE BAR EXPERIENCE AT HOME

Do you know something that’s really surprised us about lockdown life? Yes, we’re missing restaurants terribly. Sure, we can’t wait for a properly poured pint of Guinness in a beer garden. But what we’re most eagerly, feverishly anticipating is a return to a buzzy, boisterous wine bar. 

London really was on a rich run of form where wine bars were concerned before that pesky covid-19 put a stop to the fun. P. Franco, Flor, Quality Wines, Sager & Wilde, Bright, Noble Rot…these are the places our Monzo spending summaries reveal a shameful devotion to, and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

For now, we’re trying our best to recreate the quintessential winebar atmosphere at home. Join us. For the budding oenophiles whose humble six bottle wine rack just isn’t enough any more, here’s how to create the IDEAL wine bar experience at home . 

THE AESTHETICS

There are certain characteristics and aesthetics of a great wine bar that are easy to pinpoint – those exposed brick walls, the subtle, flickering lighting, the empty bottles seemingly holding up a ceiling. Other elements are a little harder to define.  

We’ll deal with the former first. You need to create a well-defined area for your wine bar, otherwise, well, it’s a corner of your house which gives you an excuse to drink every night. When allocating an area as the bar itself, consider the space under the stairs as a good fit, or repurpose a kitchen island. If you’re going all out, partitions on the back wall of your sitting room could be installed to create a dedicated space.

But perhaps it’s not the bar itself which is the defining feature of a great wine bar, but rather the vibe. At home, without the clinking of stranger’s glasses and the noisy chatter of punters stumbling in off the street, you’re going to have to create that elusive ‘vibe’ with design quirks. So many of the capital’s great bars boast wine walls, which have both a practical and aesthetic purpose, storing wine – sometimes refrigerated – and displaying it to maximum effect. 

GLASSWEAR

A large, diverse wine glass collection is perhaps just as important as the wines you actually have in stock at home. Well, maybe not quite on a par, but the vessel you’re drinking out of does make one hell of a difference to your overall impression of the drink in hand.  The shape of the glass, the thickness of the rim, the material it’s made from, the length of the stem…all will affect the taste of the wine. And we’re here to be discerning, are we not?

Before you even contemplate divergences around grape, vintage and production methods, some general rules apply here. Firstly, consider bowl shape; wide bowls allow plenty of aroma whilst narrow ones allow less, since less wine is exposed to the air as you give the wine that first sniff. Generally, the former is preferable for the upfront aroma of reds and the latter more suitable to the nuances of white. If you’re looking to splash out, include both wide and narrow bowled glasses in your collection, or for versatility’s sake, a set medium bowls is best.

When drinking white wine, prioritise glasses with a longer stem; this prevents your hand from warming up the glass and your carefully chilled Chenin Blanc.

You’ll also need some narrow flutes in your collection for sparkling wine. The wider bowls of traditional wine glasses cause champagne, cava et al to lose their fizz rather fast as the wine is exposed to oxygen excessively. All in all, it’s wise to have a bit of variety in your collection, to meet the optimum needs and nuances of each wine.

STORING YOUR WINE 

You’ve gone to all this effort sourcing the correct glasses and designing your domestic wine bar to look just so. Then you go and spoil it all by doing something stupid like storing your wine incorrectly, potentially tainting the precious liquor in the process.

If you don’t have the budget or energy to drill downwards and build your own wine cellar, the least you can do is invest in a proper wine cooler. Not to be confused with simply bunging some bottles in the fridge, a dedicated wine storage cabinet is able to hold your bottles at the ideal temperature – 5 – 10°C for white and 10-20°C for red – and humidity (70%) for longevity. Since wine is damaged by excesses of temperature and its fluctuation, if you’re taking your domestic wine bar seriously, an appropriate storage system is essential.

Do make sure you store your wine in the dark, too, since sunlight and UV rays can increase the wine’s temperature and can substantially alter its taste for the worse. This is why wine is generally stored in coloured bottles, such as in green and amber, in the wines original wooden box. Check out our IDEAL tips on how to store fine wine for more on this fascinating subject.

THE FOOD

We don’t think we’re putting our necks on the line here when we say that wine almost always tastes better with food. Indeed, the importance of pairing wine with food to elevate the tasting experience should not be underestimated or overlooked.  

Snacks that serve as a complement to wine are the bare minimum your domestic wine bar should be offering – a briny olive or better yet, an oyster, works as the perfect partner for a dry white wine. Tannic red wine responds brilliantly to fatty food to tame and soften it – think charcuterie such as an ibérico ham or a mini fridge full of long-lasting cheeses. 

For minimal effort but maximum flavour, consider your nut pairings too; the subtle sweetness of almonds are perfect for a crisp Chardonnay or sparkling wines while chestnuts adore Merlot and pistachios pair well with a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinto.  

If you’re considering a more fully fledged food offering at your home wine bar, then many of London’s top restaurants and bars are currently delivering. Support your local businesses and have a damn good feed by ordering from them today.

AURAL ATMOSPHERE

Music is integral to setting the right tone in your home wine bar. You want something which encourages the evening along and contributes to the rhythm and flow of conversation, but doesn’t intrude or dictate proceedings. 

First, you’re going to need a sound system – or at least, a speaker – fit for the task. Something discreet, with bluetooth capabilities, remotely controlled and visually in keeping with your aesthetic is ideal. 

Think about its position, ergonomically, too. Ideally, speakers should play along the length of the room, with the ‘face’ exposed to the maximum amount of the room as possible. It’s also suggested that speakers are placed at a 60 degree angle to where you’re planning on listening, to give the best impression of a stereo sound. Though it might sound obvious, nothing should stand between the speaker’s output and your ear, physically.

Whilst we wouldn’t want to dictate your music choice, there are some genres which just fit better than others in the sleek and slinky wine bar setting. Although it’s a cliche, it’s one for a reason; jazz pairs with wine bars like peanut butter and jelly. Alexa; play Kind of Blue by Miles Davis!

WHAT TO DO IN AMSTERDAM FOR FOODIES: 7 IDEAL TIPS

Joseph Gann
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WHAT TO DO IN AMSTERDAM FOR FOODIES: 7 IDEAL TIPS

Mention to friends you’re off to Amsterdam and you’ll get a tome of the latest tips on tulips, toking and traversing the canals. Yep, it seems like every man and their orange beclad dog can give you a lengthy diatribe on the best things to do in Amsterdam, and that’s just lovely. The more tips the merrier is our mantra, as we’re sure you’ll have noticed.

But ask for advice on Amsterdam’s best restaurants, markets and foodie experiences, and it seems like those enthusiastic friends are suddenly stumped. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised; the ‘Dam isn’t just about waffles, edibles and gouda. Instead, the Dutch capital boasts one of the most thriving, exciting food scenes around. With that in mind, here are 7 IDEAL things to do in Amsterdam for foodies.

INDONESIA

A legacy of Dutch colonialism, Amsterdam has a huge Indonesian diaspora. As such, the town is full of fantastic, flavourful restaurants serving Indonesian delicacies and us foodies just can’t get enough of it. 

The best in the city make zero concessions to the Western palate, and all the better for it, we think. Some of our favourites in an admittedly blessed field include Tempo Doeloe, which does a properly authentic, huge ‘rice table’ spread, spicy and pungent as hell, but with elegance in its delivery, too. Or, check out Sampurna for the finest satay skewers this side of Jakarta. 

VISIT THE CHEESE MUSEUM

Though Amsterdam’s Cheese Museum is small, it packs one hell of a punch. Dutch cheese has a long and proud history, ingrained in the culture, with many of its most famous cheeses named after towns in the Netherlands. 

This museum pays respect to the cultural and culinary heritage of the good stuff in an interesting, interactive (yep, that means there are tasters) way, and represents a great first stop if you’re looking to get under the skin – or should that be ‘rind’? – of the foodie credentials of the city. 

The place is divided into two floors, with historical intrigue catered for below and the tasting of hundreds of vibrantly coloured wheels provided above. Since it’s free to enter, a visit here seems like a no brainer. If you haven’t got your fill of cheese, take yourself on a tour of Amsterdam’s many cheese delis for some extra tastings. That’s our foodie afternoon sorted, then. 

HUNT OUT THE BEST PANNEKOEKEN & APPELTAART 

You call yourself a foodie? Going to Amsterdam and not eating pannekoeken (the definitive Dutch pancake) or sampling a slice or ten of the country’s famous appeltaart would just be wrong. 

For pannekoeken, we love the version at Upstairs, housed in a tiny 16th century house, with quirky and kitsch decorations including 100 hundred teapots hanging from the ceiling and interesting pictures of the Dutch Royal Family. Order the sugared ginger and cheese version, it may sound odd but it totally works. With only 4 tables, Upstairs claims to be the smallest restaurant in Europe. Fear not;  the pancakes are absolutely huge, taking up most of the room in the restaurant. Since it is so tiny, we recommend booking. Don’t be late; they only hold your table for 10 minutes.

Now let’s talk about appeltaart. This is not your regular apple tart (it’s got a double A for start), it’s so much more; crumbly, crunchy and cakey in consistency with chunks of apple and warm spices running through it, you’ll be singing bye bye to any American pie you see from now on. Indeed, this is one of the Netherland’s most delicious desserts. While it can be found in most cafes across the city, as far as we’re concerned the best and deservedly most famous place to sample this delicacy is Winkel in the hip and happening Jordann neighbourhood. 

Appeltart with slagroom © leighklotz / Flickr

SNACK YOUR WAY AROUND JORDAAN & LINDENGRACHT

Speaking of which, Jordaan is one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in Amsterdam. Situated bang in the centre, it’s full of trendy shops, luxury boutiques, lovely galleries, lots of cosy cafes, breakfast and brunch spots and great restaurants. You could easily (and should) spend the entire day here, wandering from shop to shop, stopping for some coffee and a snack when your legs get weary. 

Snacks that you should try include: 

  • The aforementioned pannenkoeken and appeltaart. 
  • Ontbijtkoek, which is literally translated as breakfast cake, and is one of the stables of a traditional Dutch breakfast.
  • The internationally famous stroopwafels that need no introduction.
  • Kroketten (or croquettes). These little bundles of joy are traditionally filled with a meaty ragout of beef or veal. 
  • Poffertjes which are small, spongy pancakes covered in melted butter and powdered sugar. 
  • Raw Dutch herring accompanied with some chopped onions and pickles, maybe on a bun; perhaps the ultimate savoury snack in this part of the world, we think.
  • Another one for the fish fans is Dutch Kibbeling. This enduringly popular street food snack consists of bits of fish dunked in batter and fried. 
  • Ordering a portion of Dutch fries with lashings of mayonnaise is a must. These Flemish fries can also come with uniquely Dutch toppings; a must try is patatje oorlog where the chips are piled high with mayonnaise, peanut satay sauce and diced raw onions.

We hope you’re not full yet. Because every Saturday, the whole of Lindengracht (a former canal) becomes a market, selling everything from handcrafted items to cheese (of course). The selection of fresh fish, fruit and vegetables here is second to none in the city; if you’re lucky enough to be staying in accommodation with a kitchen, a trip here on Saturday morning to pick up supplies before cooking up a delicious dinner at home sounds like a lovely way to spend a day. 

TAKE A TRIP ALONG THE PRINSENGRACHT

There are a total of 165 canals that circle the city of Amsterdam, providing a natural border to the Pjjp, the Jordaan and the Museum Quarter – making the entire city picturesque and in its own way, peaceful. 

The most attractive canal is the Prinsengracht, lined with trees and quirky houseboats; visually stunning and wonderfully quaint for an inner city experience. Here, you’ll find an eclectic mix of fantastic cafes and restaurants. We’re huge fans of John Dory (the restaurant, though we love the fish too!) right on the canal. It’s set in a 17th century warehouse and serves the freshest fish from the North Sea in creative, modern ways; just delicious. 

We also love Envy, another hip as hell restaurant on the canal which does small plates of style and sophistication paired with a lovely view of the water. What more could you want? With Amsterdam boat rental available, you can curate your own culinary tour of the canals in style.

SPEND AN EVENING AT FOODHALLEN

Set in the old tram depot in Amsterdam’s cool Oud-West neighbourhood and inspired by Torvehallerne in Copenhagen, Foodhallen is the first indoor food market of it’s kind in the Netherlands.  Streetfood fans will delight in the large space lined with over 20 street food vendors serving up gastronomic delights from Michelin star concepts to ‘international streetfood’. We particularly love the soft shell crab baps from Le Big fish as well as l’Entrecote’s superb steak sarnies.

There’s live music in the evenings and every Friday and Saturday the market hosts a live DJ set until 1am. So if music and food is your thing (and it is very much ours), you’d be mad not to visit Foodhallen.

HAVE A PICNIC

Amsterdam’s largest green space, Vondelpark, is the ideal place to have a picnic. In fact, on a bright day, we’d say Amsterdam is the ideal city to eat alfresco; fresh, convivial and with great cheese. Result!

Named after the famous Dutch poet Joost van den Vondel, these 46 hectares of public green space play host to sculpture and open air theatre, and there are also restaurants and cafes dotted around, meaning it’s possible to spend the whole day here if you wish. 

Perfectly poised to cater to those wanting to enjoy a picnic in Vondelpark are several excellent delicatessens, particularly along the park’s south side. Kooy’s Deli, on Valeriusplein, is just a couple minutes walk from the park, and serves up baguettes using the best Dutch charcuterie and cheese.

Or, if it’s a bit of globe trotting you’re after, Benteng, an Indonesian deli, sells a rich variety of freshly made curries, stir fries and salads daily, and from there, a 15 minute walk south-west along Koninginneweg will bring you to A Loja, a Portuguese deli serving up some cracking custard tarts. Did we just write your menu for you? You can thank us later.

IT’S GOOD TO TALK: WAYS MODERN HEARING AIDS ARE TRANSFORMING LIVES

Editorial Team
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IT’S GOOD TO TALK: WAYS MODERN HEARING AIDS ARE TRANSFORMING LIVES

Losing your hearing can be a devastating and alienating experience. Suddenly, the joys of family dinners, listening to your favourite music, or chatting with a friend at a bar can feel overwhelming. As you struggle to hear the notes or understand the conversation, you may start to realise that your ears are no longer what they once were.

Don’t despair though, while your hearing may be fading, modern hearing aids are nothing like what they used to be. In fact, they’re vastly better. Comfortable hearing aids that are super powerful, sleeker, and more functional are commonplace now. Yep, it’s good to talk, so here are some ways that hearing aids are transforming lives. 

HOW DOES YOUR HEARING ACTUALLY FUNCTION?

The human ear is fully developed when we’re born and babies can respond to both loud and faint noises. It is an incredibly complex structure, but here is a simplified explanation.

The ear is divided into three parts: the outer, middle, and inner ear. Sound travels through the outer ear, down the ear canal and hits the eardrum, causing it to vibrate. From there, the small bones called ossicles in the middle ear register the vibrations in the eardrum, which creates movement in the fluid of the inner ear. The fluid, or cochlea, causes shifting in the tiny hair cells, which send electrical signals up the inner ear to the auditory nerve. The brain then interprets these signals as sound. 

Unlike clunky, unattractive, and uncomfortable hearing aids of the past, modern hearing aids have a variety of improvements.

THE ADDITION OF DIRECTIONAL MICROPHONES

One of the most common complaints with older hearing aids is that they simply increase the noise of everything without helping the sufferer focus on nearby speech, like your dinner guest. Directional microphones allow hearing aids to enhance speech in a noisy environment. 

The real-life benefits of combining directional microphones and non-directional microphones are dramatic. They allow users to better simulate true hearing and improve the signal-to-noise ratio of sounds coming from the front.

USING SMART TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE THE EXPERIENCE

Many new hearing aids use smart technology, which allows them to wirelessly connect to smartphones, laptops, and tablets. This improvement allows the user to avoid wearing headphones when they want to talk on the phone or listening to music since the hearing aid is serving the same purpose. 

Before this, talking on the phone was especially difficult for people with hearing aids since the older style microphones were not as adept at picking up voices on telephone calls. This can be a particular problem for the elderly who are more familiar with using antiquated hearing aids and resistant to updating.

AESTHETIC IMPROVEMENTS

New hearing aids are now smaller and customized to fit the wearer’s ear canal. This makes them more comfortable and less noticeable. They can also be dyed to match the person’s skin tone to make them even more subtle. 

Much of these positive developments can be attributed to 3D printing. Audiologists can now scan the entire ear and create a model that fits perfectly within your ear. This has made creating custom hearing aids easier, faster, and more affordable than they ever were in the past. 

6 TIPS ON PLANNING YOUR FIRST POST-LOCKDOWN GARDEN PARTY

Editorial Team
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6 TIPS ON PLANNING YOUR FIRST POST-LOCKDOWN GARDEN PARTY

So, six friends in the garden, is it? Or was that six different households? Can they stay the night? Will everyone just be relieving themselves in the hedges? What if I don’t have a garden, can we sojourn to the street? Oh, forget it.

We’re starting to consider the logistics of our first post-lockdown party, once we’re allowed to gather safely again. Since we may still have plenty of time to plan it, make your first party after lockdown the best you’ve ever had by laying the ground work now, at least logistically. Something fun, free spirited and outdoors, we think; here are our 6 tips on planning your first post-lockdown garden party.

SEATING

Ample seating is important when it comes to any party. After all this time apart, consider a large sociable table for dining and drinking. Create different zones where people can sit, take stock and enjoy a moment’s peace from the buzz of the party for a quiet catchup. No outdoor furniture? No problem. Vamp up your lawn with blankets, rugs, cushions and throws for that effortlessly comfortable, inviting look.

LIGHTS UP

The best garden parties start early, with guests basking in the summer sun, and last late. As such, lighting is required for the latter stages of the event, when people are likely a little tipsy and in need of illumination.

It’s not only a practical concern; well-judged lighting can create a certain mood and energy, particularly in the outdoor setting. Indeed, you’d be surprised just how much impact lighting has on people. 

Go for something lowkey, which blends with its surroundings. You could string fairy lights throughout the garden, wrapping them around trees, a pergola or any other structure you may have outside. Or have some fun with neon lighting, instead, with party neon lights bringing pizzazz, glamour and a sense of frivolity.

Candles are perennially popular when setting the mood but may not be practical with the temperamental British weather. Placing them (real or fake) inside outdoor lanterns to add some decorative and romantic lighting addresses this issue with flickering, fancified results.

GO ALL-OUT WITH PRIVATE BAR HIRE

If you’re planning a particularly special event within the framework of the ‘new normal’, you may want to explore a private bar hire option, so the distribution of drinks is more organised, safe and sanitary. Not to mention the touch of glamour it’ll bring to proceedings! 

Often reserved for corporate events, weddings and large-scale occasions, private mobile bar hire can prove to be a fantastic addition that adds the extra excitement of professional mixologists, (once permitted by scientific advice, of course) not to mention the abundance of delicious, intriguing cocktails.

Not only does it ensure that your drinks menu for the evening is impressive, but it also means that both you and your guests will have more time to socialise and enjoy each other’s company; something that we are all desperate to do after lockdown, right?

SET UP A TEMPORARY OUTDOOR KITCHEN 

The perfect host is one who is facilitating conversation when required, introducing people, pouring drinks, cracking jokes and generally making people smile. None of this is possible when they’re chained to the stoves inside, whilst the party goes on outdoors and without them.

So, consider setting up an outdoor kitchen, so you can socialise, sauté and serve, all at once. You did say you were a skilled multitasker, right? You can invest in pre-made outdoor kitchen islands, which offer the amenities of a regular kitchen including worktops, sinks and even cabinets, just outside. Or, consider making your own as an upcycling project. 

That, or you could simply put your faith in us Brits favourite cooking vehicle (no, not the microwave). Yep, summer barbeques are what it’s all about and are a great focal point for a garden party; just make sure you set up a couple of side tables and prep stations for seamless, stress free cooking. 

Though we’re all hopelessly devoted to the barbeque, there are still ways to elevate the most ancient of cooking methods. Consider investing in an outdoor pizza oven as the centrepiece to your party. These guys are surprisingly inexpensive (starting at around £70) and can simply be placed on top of your standard BBQ, cooking a fresh pie in minutes with that blistered, burnished look that the connoisseurs covet. 

That, or you could undertake a lockdown leaving project and build your own! Check our article on how to build your own pizza oven in your garden in 5 simple steps, IDEAL for those who love the flavour of something wood-fired.

HUNGRY GUESTS ARE NOT HAPPY ONES

When it comes to party planning, most people will focus more on drinks than they will on food, but hungry guests most definitely are not happy ones. They are, in fact, rowdy, raucous, rule breaking ones. Do make sure, then, that proper stomach lining is provided, unless you want your party to go south, fast.

If you’re planning a bigger event or simply don’t fancy the effort of building your own pizza oven(!), do bear in mind outside catering; these guys will have been hit hard by COVID-19 and will need support within the community to get going again. What’s more, professionals will be able to provide the highest levels of hygiene; reassuring in these times, we think.

SAFETY FIRST

With government advice so sketchy and open to interpretation, we’d recommend exercising a great deal of caution in organising gatherings for now. Take pleasure in planning a party for the future months, rather than rushing to throw one right away, when the situation is a little clearer. Always check in with latest UK lockdown measures and advice before proceeding with your party.

THINGS TO DO IN LONDON BRIDGE & BOROUGH MARKET: THE IDEAL DAY OUT

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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THINGS TO DO IN LONDON BRIDGE & BOROUGH MARKET: THE IDEAL DAY OUT

If you’re heading to the Big Smoke for a day out and are looking for an area which encapsulates the best of the city – multicultural, bustling, historic and forward thinking – then look no further than London Bridge. You won’t have to look far. In fact, this most famous of neighbourhoods is impossible to miss; just seek that massive Shard of glass piercing the sky or follow the river Thames until you come to the most iconic bridge of all. Easy, huh?

If you’re thinking of staying in the area and exploring, you couldn’t be better placed than here to see some of the best sites in the city. Fortunately, there are plenty of hotels nearby to choose from, making a weekend here as easy as you like.

You’re probably wondering how best to spend a day in the area, to capture all that’s quintessential about the culture and cuisine of the city? For what it’s worth, here’s our hottest tips; our things to do in London Bridge and Borough Market for the IDEAL day out.

BREAKFAST

The food options in the area are rightly revered, so it’s wise to get to London Bridge in time for breakfast. As if you needed any excuse. Newly opened bakery and wine bar Flor (sister restaurant of the brilliant, Michelin starred Lyles) opens at 9am and though it’s only had those bespoke ovens fired up for six months, the pastries sold here are already considered some of the best in town; head pastry chef Anna Higham is a real talent. A recent, seasonal lardy bun with rhubarb and vanilla was heavenly.  On Saturday, a seriously foodie brunch is served from 11am; book to avoid disappointment. 

For something a little different, in Borough Market, a perhaps even hotter ticket right now is Mei Mei (open from 10am). Though this compact collection of market stall and a few stools is primarily a Hainanese chicken over rice joint, the Singaporean brunch menu is superb too. Their Kaya toast – bread, butter, jam, coconut and so much more than that – is a snip at £3.50. With some sweet, milky coffee, this is just a lovely way to start the day.

Read: Where to eat in London Bridge & Borough

MORNING

If you intend your whole day to be foodie focused, then exploring Borough Market is a must. And it’s morning when this world famous market is at its best, when the fresh fruit and vegetables are abundant and the lunchtime crowds still at bay.

Simply strolling and checking out the tasters of cheese, charcuterie, olive oil and other delights is enough to keep even the most discerning foodie entertained. More high-end products abound too; Borough Market is one of the largest stall-based purveyors of truffles around, and you’ll find superb sun dried tomatoes, premium anchovies and aged Balsamic vinegar here, too. All of this adds up to a cracking morning spent under shelter.

Alternatively, if you can stomach the thrills this early, the London Bridge neighbourhood is London’s horror capital. The London Bridge Experience and London Tombs (‘officially the UK’s scariest attraction’) is an interactive, often theatrical and always terrifying journey into the gory history of the city. If you still haven’t got your adrenaline racing sufficiently, a ten minute stroll across Tower Bridge will have you at the Tower of London, famed for being the city’s most notorious prison, and the scene of executions and torture. As such, it’s known as one of the country’s most haunted places.

LUNCH

Phew, it must be time for lunch, right? London Bridge and Borough Market are blessed with both grazing options and the chance for a full blown, sit down meal. Our favourites right now for something quick, light and delicious – the perfect springboard for a further afternoon of exploring – are Bao Borough and Padella. The former is the third branch of the much loved, cult London restaurant, serving Instagrammable, insanely good steamed gua bao buns and other contemporary takes on the street food of Taiwan. Though the restaurant only takes bookings for large groups, service is prompt and the food fast; as such, you’ll likely land a coveted seat pretty quickly if you walk in.

Alternatively, and again not open to reservations, is Padella, London’s most famous purveyors of fresh pasta and positive vibes. Check out our review of Padella London Bridge for the lowdown!

AFTERNOON

Yep, we kept that lunch light for a reason. The London Bridge neighbourhood is blessed with forward thinking, endlessly fascinating opportunities to engage with the art world, all within walking distance.

And walk we shall; just a fifteen minute stroll from the station, along the south bank of the Thames, past Southwark Cathedral and Shakepeare’s Globe, is the Tate Modern. This is the UK’s premier modern art museum (and one of the world’s largest), housing national and international pieces and an ever changing cast of prestigious exhibitions.

If you’ve still not had your fill of culture, on the other side of London Bridge is the White Cube Gallery in Bermondsey. It’s a twenty minute walk from the Tate, but it’s a pleasant jaunt through a mostly pedestrianised South London, and Bermondsey itself is picture perfect. At the gallery itself, you’ll find three rooms of contemporary, engaging sculpture from some of the most exciting names in the art world today.  

DINNER

Though we’re heading back to the Borough Market area for dinner, we can’t resist stopping off at chef Jose Pizarro’s tapas bar José for a quick sherry and a snack. It’s just two minutes down the road from the White Cube so there’s really no reason not to indulge and imbibe. The specials board changes daily, but there’s always top quality jamon iberico on offer, as well as mixed cheeses, padron peppers and other delicious morsels to keep you going for that long, ten minute trek back to Borough.

Once you’re back on terra firma, the food options are almost limitless. Though we’ve already enjoyed a pastry at Flor, the bakery doubles up as a wine bar and as you’d expect of somewhere with a team of this pedigree, the evening menu is as confident and composed as they come. On our recent visit, grilled calcots with a romesco sauce was minimalist and refined in the best possible way, and a mussel flatbread had us cooing. The wine takes equal billing and a glass of the skin contact 2018 Sicilian Rosammare paired perfectly. As one of the current darlings of the London foodie scene, booking for an evening sitting at Flor is essential.

If that sounds a touch too stuffy, or making reservations brings out the commitment-phobe in you, then try out El Pastor on the peripheries of Borough Market for top quality tacos and tequila.

DRINKS

One more for the road? So, before we head home or to the hotel, it’s a quick glass at Bedales of Borough, a happening wine bar just down the road from Flor. Alternatively, you could splash out and take in the views of London at the same time, by checking out one of the Shard’s sky kissing bars. The loftiest, on level 52, is Gong; be aware that there’s a minimum spend of £30 per person, so before we bid you goodnight, we’d remind you to drink responsibly. And with that, we hope you enjoyed your day in London Bridge and Borough Market as much as we did. Until next time!

Spending money was gifted by Hotels.com, but all views are our own.

7 TIPS ON PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP TO SEOUL

Travel Team
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7 TIPS ON PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP TO SEOUL

Before we begin, do you mind if we get something out the way? Phew, here goes…‘I’ve got Seoul, but I’m not a soldier’. Right, let’s hop to it…

If you’re looking for a city which blends the futuristic and historic, the regal with the raucous, and a modern urban energy with surrounding serenity, then look no further than South Korea’s capital, Seoul.

This metropolis is home to over 11 million people, and continues to expand and evolve at break neck speed, whilst paying lip service to tradition at every turn. In many ways, Seoul represents an apt realisation of ‘East meets West’, of the past complementing the future in perfect harmony. 

Because it’s a city which is constantly innovating and adapting to globalisation whilst maintaining a culture uniquely Korean, it can sometimes feel impenetrable to tourists. Best to plan your visit thoroughly, then, with these 7 tips on preparing for your trip to Seoul.

LEARN SOME OF THE LOCAL LINGO

In visiting any country, language barriers can present a problem. And though Seoul is a forward thinking city, English isn’t spoken widely on its streets. What’s more, those who call Seoul home are proud people, and value exchanges of respect highly. Show some by getting to grips with, at the very least, a few key phrases which can act a social lubricant and demonstrate politeness. And should you want to take things further in advance of your trip, check out a dedicated Korean language learning website which can help you master the basics in ninety days. 화이팅! (good luck).

EMBRACE POP CULTURE

Korean popular culture is taking over the world, and we’re well and truly here for it. Like so many, we’ve fallen head over heels in love with K-Pop, and we’re hooked on Korean dramas equally. Prior to your trip, why not immerse yourself in the culture to get familiar with the very essence of modern Korea? 

Right now on Netflix there are a host of great Korean TV shows and movies to get stuck into; particularly good, we think, is When The Camellia Blooms which combines romantic comedy and thriller motifs to glorious effect. 

In terms of the iconic music of the country, BTS are everyone’s entry level band into the world of K-Pop, and now one of the biggest acts on the planet, and Girls Generation look set to be equally as world conquering. That said, connoisseurs are currently listening to Seventeen, BLACKPINK and Red Velvet amongst others…choose your poison.

TIME YOUR TRIP AROUND A FESTIVAL

South Korea is known for its monthly festivals, so planning your trip to coincide with one is a great idea to bring focus to your wanderlust. 

Seoul hosts some of the biggest and brightest festivals of all. Quite literally; the Seoul International Firework Festival is huge in the country, and happens each October, with huge displays above the city’s famous Han River. During October, Koreans also celebrate a form of thanksgiving named Chuseok, meaning the month is a significant one for celebration and the perfect time for inquisitive visitors to learn more about the country.

In the early Spring, after the winter snow has melted and the cherry blossoms sprung, there are several big celebrations to mark the aesthetic and symbolic beauty of that beloved tree. The biggest in Seoul is the Yeouido Park Cherry Blossom Festival, occurring in early April, which sees thousands of visitors descending on the area to enjoy the blossom. In May, Buddha’s Birthday is celebrated, which is another massive festival all over the country; meaning late Spring could be the ideal time for a visit.

DEVELOP A TASTE FOR KIMCHI

Korean cuisine is one of the most unique and exciting in the world and (aside from inside the crock itself) Seoul is where the magic happens. Kimchi is the country’s number one side-dish, consisting of vegetables left in jars over a period of months to ferment, lending it a unique, assertive and, at first sampling, rather challenging taste.

If you’re to enjoy this national staple with the enthusiasm it deserves, why not explore its versatility in the months beforehand so you’re arriving in the Korean capital a discerning eater of the good stuff. For some of the most authentic tasting versions, take a trip to your local oriental store and pick up a packet of this fiery, fermented food. To further develop your new obsession, head to the freezer section of the store for Kimchi Mandu – a popular Korean dumpling which you’ll find everywhere on the streets of Seoul.

PLAN TO LEAVE THE CITY

Rural South Korea is full of tranquillity and wonder, replete with lush and verdant gardens, temples hiding beneath the canopy, and a rich and thriving culture of farming and serene village life.

Do make sure you factor a trip out of Seoul and into the countryside if you can; Bukhansan National Park is just 15km outside the city and the 704 bus will take you there in around an hour. It’s well worth the short journey, with unique flora, fauna and temples galore, plus hiking opportunities for all levels.

CONSIDER CUSTOMS

As with any country in the world, there are unique expectations and matters of etiquette in South Korea which require a dexterous, respectful touch. 

Similar to the majority of East Asia, shoes must be removed before entering anyone’s home, and in many restaurants, too. Check for a collection of shoes outside any door before entering and follow suit by removing when necessary; to not do so would be considered (and is) disrespectful and dirty. Overt public displays of affection, particularly kissing, are frowned upon and should be avoided so as not to cause disrespect, too. 

Most importantly is the Korean concept of Kibun, loosely translating as a sense of pride and dignity. To cause affront or insult is unforgivable, so, just like in any country you’re visiting, conduct yourself with politeness, respect and awareness and you’ll be fine!

WI-FI CAN BE UNRELIABLE

Counterintuitive to the thrusting reputation the city has, and even more surprising considering Seoul has one of the widest Wi-Fi networks in the world, but the city’s wifi connectivity can be unpredictable and unreliable. Though there is public Wi-Fi throughout the city and most of it is free to use, it can be a real hassle to get online via (and really expensive, too), and shouldn’t be relied upon for getting around during your trip. Consider investing in a personal, portable, ‘pocket’ Wi-Fi router, instead, as the locals do, to avoid connectivity problems and also mitigate sharing the network with the rest of the city.

8 IDEAL, ICONIC THINGS TO DO IN BALI
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