It’s one of daily life’s more troublesome dichotomies. That the freedom afforded to you on four wheels is one so many of us struggle to afford. Costs can mount up, crazily, and suddenly the dream of the open road becomes something of a nightmare. Fortunately, for those with the willpower, there are ways and means to help your motoring make ends meet. These are those; our 5 IDEAL money saving tips for motorists.
WALK THE WALK
Auto pilot is a dangerous thing. As any driver will know, it’s all too easy to sink into the habitual, to simply grab the keys and jump in the car when you need to go anywhere, whether that’s a quick trip to the local Spar or a gym journey which shouldn’t need to burn fuel. That trip also burns money. Next time, think about whether you really need to drive and whether you could walk or cycle instead. In addition to lowering fuel costs, you’ll be doing your health some good and most importantly, being that little bit kinder to the environment.
SWITCH TO AN ELECTRIC CAR
Whether you call it climate change or crisis, global warming or heating, the facts are inescapable; we need to do all we can to arrest the terrifying damage human activity has wreaked on the planet. One way to do this is by switching to an electric car. The added bonus of this is a reduction in road-based spending. Although they can cost more money upfront, you could make significant savings in the long run as you do not have to worry about fuel and road tax. The proposed 2040 ban on petrol and diesel also means that it is only a matter of time before you need to make the switch, so stay ahead of the pack and get in there early. That’s if the earth even lives to see 2040.
LEASE IT
Let’s cut to the chase. Leasing a vehicle instead of purchasing outright often works out cheaper, and you also don’t need to worry about depreciation, which can cost a significant amount, so it is a smart financial move to make. Again, it’s also kinder to the environment, as you won’t be running a car every single day, rather as and when you need it. What’s more, you can get approved for personal car hire deals even if you have bad credit as there are companies that offer no credit car finance for affordable prices. Excellent news for those needing to make the odd, valuable journey.
LOOK INTO LOWERING YOUR INSURANCE
Insurance is a legal requirement, and that’s the long and short of it. No excuses, no get-out-clauses, it just has to be done. However, it’s also one of the most expensive aspects of owning a car. Fortunately, there are a handful of ways that you can lower your insurance premium, which could help you to make big savings in the long run. You can lower your insurance by:
In addition to your car insurance, you should also make sure that you have adequate protection in place in case something were to happen – to you or your car. An extended warranty if the manufacturer warranty has expired will protect you against the costs of mechanical or electrical faults which can occur at any point in the car’s lifetime. GAP insurance is also a smart purchase as this will cover any shortfall between your insurer’s payout and the amount originally paid in the event of a write off (insurers only pay the current market value). Essentially, a little financial foresight is a savvy way to reduce potential costs in the future.
Schools out for summer! As the annual rallying cry goes up, and bottles of pop are popped in celebration, perhaps your mind is turning towards hosting an event to celebrate these heady days of heat and hiatus. Sure, you could put some beers on ice, throw a twelve pack of chipolatas on the barbie and hope for the best. Or, you could aim for something unique, personal and just a little bit thrilling. We trust you’re in the latter camp? If so, keep reading; our 5 IDEAL tips for hosting the ultimate summer soiree.
SHOW YOUR INTENT WITH INVITES
Even if you’ll only be inviting friends or family to the party, there’s a certain style and swagger to issuing proper, paper invitations regardless. If you simply send out a text, it’ll get the job done, sure, but it’s not going to make the event very memorable. In sending out a tangible, touchable call to arms, you can set the tone and theme early on.
That’s not to say you have to spend a fortune on the invitations to get your message across. Nope, you can pick up fun, affordable party invites online from dedicated companies such as the Card Factory. An added bonus of sending out real deal invitations is that the onus is then on the guest to commit to attending or otherwise. As such, you’ll have a good idea of numbers from the get go.
TAKE A LOAD OFF
Once you know who’s coming to the party and the number you’re catering for, you’re going to need to make sure you have plenty of seating. Your guests aren’t going to have a great time if they don’t have somewhere to rest their legs; indeed, the best moment of any soiree is taking a load off, kicking back and chewing the fat with friends. So, ensure there’s plenty of places for punters to park bums, as well as ample room to rest drinks and food. No one wants to be eating off their lap, that’s for sure.
THEME FRIENDLY FUN
Want to stand out and last long in the collective celebratory consciousness? The most memorable summer parties are those which follow a fun and frivolous theme. You can make it as personalised as you like, either choosing a theme for just the décor of the party or including a fancy-dress element. The best often focus on a fairly broad brief, leaving room for the punter’s sense of imagination and creativity. Our favourites are focused on eras (such as an 80s bash), as the playlist writes itself, there’s a heavy and welcome dose of nostalgia and guests are given freedom over their dress choice. Playful and perfect, we think.
CARE ABOUT THE FOOD AND DRINK
One of the most important aspects of any event is keeping your guests well fed and watered. You can provide all of the raucous entertainment you could dream of, but without refreshments (solid and liquid) things just aren’t going to kick off. Always remember that finger food and snacks are significantly easier to coordinate than a full-blown, sit down, three course meal. What’s more, guests usually feel more comfortable helping themselves, as and when they want to. And if you really want to impress guests at an event, you can’t go wrong with a street food truck which in recent years has taken the catering industry by storm. Rumbling stomachs and empty glasses are one of the main buzzkills of any event. It just lacks generosity. Therefore, make food and drink a priority as running out isn’t a good look.
HAVE A CONTINGENCY PLAN
If planning a get-together outdoors, you’ll also need to bear weather-based threats in mind. After all, it’s not as if the Great British weather can be counted on even at the best of times. To save your soiree from the rain, have a gazebo ready, or indoor space big enough to accommodate, to avoid any unnecessary, unexpected scrambles from an outburst of heavy rain.
The pressures of moving house seem to come at you from all sides. Just when you’re looking forward and straight ahead, an unexpected hurdle trips you up; when the weight of upheaval is close to dragging you down, a mishap or miscalculation knocks you sideways. With all the big issues needing so much attention, it’s sometimes easy to neglect the little tasks that keep everything running smoothly and in place. But hey, we wouldn’t want to cramp your style and put the brakes on that pending housewarming party. Oh no. Best to get all the admin out the way before you switch homes and christen the place. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL things to do as soon as you move house.
ARRANGE YOUR UTILITIES OR SWITCH PROVIDERS
You settle into your new home, a little worn and argued out, and dusty from the move. All you want is a long, hot shower. All well and good until you realise you don’t have any hot water or electricity. Avoid this by setting up utilities in your name, in advance – from the day you move in – so you’ll be accurately paying for your usage and not the previous occupants’. While we’re on the subject, get a final reading on your current meters and inform your providers so that you get the correct final bill. Most energy providers can redirect your bills to eliminate hassle and fuss.
This is something that can be well ahead of time to save you the stress of arriving at your new home without the essentials already place Not only that, but very often you can save money. In fact visiting a site like simplyswitch.com preemptively can save you upwards of a few hundred pounds per year. Since provider rates vary wildly by region you could find yourself saving money in the move.
MOVE YOUR TV LICENCE
Yep, you do still need one. And nope, simply accessing iPlayer via your laptop doesn’t negate that necessity. Indeed, when you move home your TV Licence doesn’t automatically move with you; if only it were that simple. Instead, you need to change the address on your licence – you can do this online up to three months before you move, ready for those binge rewatches of Fleabag when you arrive.
UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS EARLY
About two weeks before the big move, you should start calling anybody who needs your new address and informing them of the change. Your doctor, dentist, bank and credit card provider will all need to know your new address (you don’t want that embarrassing letter from the clinic falling into the wrong hands, after all) but it can take time for their system to get updated.
If you do this ahead of time then there won’t be any gaps in your service or admin issues by the time you move. Of course, it goes without saying that you’ll overlook somebody or something – you’re only human – and neglect to update your address. For a small fee you can have the Royal Mail forward any mail arriving at your old address for a time. Remember, you can be fined up to £1,000 if you fail to tell the DVLA that you have moved address, so prioritise them.
SORT OUT YOUR COUNCIL TAX
If you’re staying in the same area (nope, we can’t drag ourselves away from Brixton either) then you can ignore this. Move on to the next point, posthaste! But if you are moving further afield then you’ll want to make sure that you’ve set up a new council tax account online. Make sure to do this about a month before you leave to keep ahead of the game; there’ll be plenty more headaches closer to your time of moving.
Remember that you are responsible for paying council tax from the day you move into your new house so if you’re not prepared by that point then you’ll find yourself paying more later as they will backdate the payments due. Don’t be sloppy.
BOOK YOUR REMOVAL COMPANY WELL IN ADVANCE
As soon as you’ve sold your house and know the date that you plan to be in your new house or flat, then you should call a local mover. These days the most trustworthy can get booked up months in advance. And you certainly don’t want to be left scrambling for somebody last minute who might drop that antique vase you’ve done your best thus far to keep in one piece. In this case you may even need to pay extra since you aren’t in a position to negotiate with the mover. Supply, demand, and all that. Seek a few quotes from various local movers before you commit to any; you can only do this when you have the time to shop around by booking in advance.
In the spirit of the title, we’re not even sure we should share this with you. But as confidentiality is drummed into you, from business school to business meetings, then we think it’s no secret that keeping schtum it is a crucial part of everything we do. With this in mind, we need to do everything we can to protect our sensitive information; from encrypted documents to passwords for every programme we use, confidentiality should always be at the forefront of our minds. Whether you are a business owner or an employee, you have an obligation to keep sensitive information safe and secure. If you haven’t already got the message, here are 4 IDEAL reasons confidentiality is so crucial in business.
THE LAW
There are several laws in the United Kingdom that cover confidentiality in the workplace and the importance of keeping information safe. Sensitive information such as a client’s bank details and addresses are only shared to your company on the basis that the information will remain private and only those who need to see it will. There doesn’t even need to be a proper agreement in place, as this law will apply to any business. The other regulation that everyone who works in business needs to know about is The EU General Data Protection Regulation. Check out thorough and in depth information on the need-to-know subject at GDPR.
TRUST
If you have a breach of confidentiality, whether this be from an employee or from a cyber-attack, then clients are going to be less likely to trust your business. As such, they’ll be less willing to invest, and this type of lack of trust quickly spreads. In some cases, it’s impossible to reverse. People want their information kept safe, and so if they can find another business that provides the same as you can and hasn’t had a break in confidentiality, then they are more likely to choose them.
REPUTATION
If you want to maintain your reputation as a business, then you need to maintain confidentiality. As an employee, if you break this confidentiality through unintentionally leaving something open or emailing the wrong document to a client, then guilty parties will need to be held accountable; someone, sadly, will end up losing their job. Confidentiality is about as serious as it gets in business; don’t risk yours or your company’s reputation on being slack and careless. Keep things tight and tightlipped.
PREVENTING A BREACH OF CONFIDENTIALITY
Businesses need to do everything they can to prevent a breach of confidentiality. This means having the right security measures in place on your computer system to prevent hacking. It is also essential to hire the right employees and do background checks to ensure that an employee hasn’t breached confidentiality in another company; a surefire sign that a repeat slip up could occur.
They are words that so many of us dread to hear…’we need to start doing date nights’. There’s something unspoken in those seven words suggestive of a spark long since extinguished. Of a passion put to bed rather than felt there. Of a desperate attempt to relight the fire, and one which can end up being both futile and costly. But it doesn’t necessarily have to be the latter.
Indeed, putting the fun back into your relationship can be done on the cheap; something that’s especially important for parents who have to cover the expense of getting a night babysitter alongside paying for a night out. With this is mind, here’s how to have fun together without breaking the bank; our 5 IDEAL tips for doing date nights on a budget.
A MEAL OUT
Dinners out can be pretty costly, especially when the onus is on romantic and spontaneous. ‘Shall we get the champagne, the supplements, the tasting menu….?’ It all mounts up.
But there are ways to eat out on the cheap. One of the best is via supermarket loyalty points, which accumulate fairly quickly and can be exchanged for vouchers to be used in a range of restaurants.
Also, keep an eye out for soft launches from potential restaurants, as well as opening week offers, as these can represent incredibly cut price options for those happy to try a new opening and give a little feedback.
Finally, plenty of high end restaurants offer mid week and lunchtime set menus for a fraction of their usual price. Check out some more of our tips on Michelin starred dining on the cheap here. Food for thought, indeed.
FILMS FROM THE SOFA
Alternatively, a meal at home, cooked with love, followed by a film curled up together on the sofa can be a lovely intimate date night. We all know the score; being in public and on show can be limiting in its scope for romance and affection, preventing you from gazing into one another’s eyes longingly and the rest.
The key here is to not view a ‘night in’ as being ‘on budget’, but rather an opportunity to spend some cherished time together, alone. Whether you’re watching action films on Netflix or a horror movie via Amazon Prime, taking the time to hold hands and share a bowl of popcorn can transport you back to those heady days of first dating. And that’s what we’re after here, right?
A PICNIC IN THE PARK
During the warmer summer months, it can be lovely to prepare a simple picnic and enjoy it in a nearby park or beach. There’s something about the fresh air and wind in your hair that can really dust off the cobwebs of a relationship gone stale.
Remember to pack a blanket, so you can snuggle up together and watch the sun set. Just make sure you pack the right grub (and utensils) for the task; there’s nothing quite like leaky tupperware, soggy sandwiches and having to swig straight from the Prosecco bottle to ruin the romance.
A NIGHT WALK
For an activity which will cost you nothing, grant some excellent exercise and work up a little sweat – nope, not that – consider taking a night time walk with your loved one. Holding hands whilst strolling and shooting the breeze can represent remarkably valuable time together, as it’s a no phones, no distractions, no cost zone. Should you be leaving the tech at home (really, you should) then of course remember to bring a map and torch, unless ‘getting lost’ is all part of the adventure for you.
A BIKE RIDE
Probably best suited to the summer months, why not head out on your bikes and cycle to nearby villages? There are so many incredible things to explore in the countryside – from churches to castles, and lakes to woodland. Alternatively, why not check out nearby pubs; a pub cycle-crawl, if you will. Pop in for a drink or two (remember your alcohol limits) and enjoy a change of scenery. Bliss.
Isn’t it a drag, having to queue at check in for hours? Does having to remember your passport put a dampener on your holiday excitement? Packing your own bags bringing you down? Do you find sharing the airport facilities with strangers unnerving? Well, all of this stress, worry and fuss could be but a distant memory. There’s only one hurdle; first, you need to be part of the royal family. Though Megan Markle may have given the everyman (and woman) some hope, this, of course, still remains unlikely. You can do your best to imitate their travelling habits though, with these; our 5 IDEAL ways to travel like royalty.
BUY YOURSELF A TITLE
Though it may sound a little far fetched, rumour has it that people who have bought themselves a title receive preferential treatment on their trips. Indeed, according to nobility experts most hotels will upgrade you to a suite and airlines to club or first class simply if you have lord or lady on your passport. Yep, the preferential treatment doesn’t stop there. Restaurants may give you complimentary drinks or desserts, car hire companies might upgrade you to a better car, and if you’re trying to book a last minute spa treatment? As a Lord or Lady, they will always try to fit you in. So, investigate Noble Titles for sale to reap the benefits. And don’t feel guilty about playing the system. You have as much right as genuine nobility – more, even – to enjoy some of life’s perks.
USE A POINTS CREDIT CARD
It’s no secret that travelling like royalty comes with a hefty price tag. The 2017 annual report from Buckingham palace revealed that the royal family spent a staggering $5.8 million on excursions in that calendar year. While us mere peasantry will never be able to afford such a big budget for our travels, a points based system on your credit card, accrued via everyday expenses and purchases, can bring you certain benefits akin to those enjoyed by the aristocracy. Indeed, with enough points saved up, you can earn upgrades to first class on flights and trains, and should you patronise the same hotel chain frequently, upgrades to swankier rooms, too. At the airport itself, you’ll earn residency of the finest business lounges, perhaps granting you a chance to rub shoulders with famous faces. And some cards even allow queue jumping at check in and events. Result!
PRETEND IT’S A SPECIAL OCCASION
Nope, we’re not encouraging fraud on a grand scale, but a little fib never hurt anyone, right? So, wherever you go on your trip, make sure you slip in the ‘fact’ that you’re celebrating a special occasion; the more important and celebration worthy, the better. So, to get the best tables, free drinks and maybe even a little congratulations message scribbled in melted chocolate from the chef, let the restaurant know you’re celebrating. Equally, couples on honeymoon (or those simply on holiday) should tell everyone they’re just married as surveys show they receive up to £430 worth of freebies just for being newlyweds. And even if it’s simply the gesture of a towel folded to look like a swan on your hotel bed, well, the aristocratic birds are all owned by the queen, right?
TRAVEL IN STYLE
Ever seen pictures of the Royals looking dishevelled when they get off a plane? Nope, you’ll never catch Kate stepping off a flight in sweatpants. Whenever the Royals go on tour they like to travel in style – right down to the outfit they fly in. So, if you want to travel like the Royal Family then forget your tracksuit bottoms or leisurewear. And make sure you have an arrival outfit at the ready.
On long-haul royal flights the packing arrangements are also a glamorously grand and stylish affair. Various monogrammed suitcases are a must – how else are you going to organise all those outfit changes? The Royals also colour code their bags by family member. Perhaps you should too.
P’S & Q’S
It should go without saying, of course. But more petinent than any of the above tips, is to keep things courteous, respectful and polite at all times, and you’ll be the automatic first pick for any of the perks associated with royalty. Indeed, you can tell a lot about someone by the way they speak to those behind the check in desk and at the bar. So, keep karma on your side by always being as lovely as possible, and reap the rewards in the most honest way possible.
Ah, the British Isles, a land known for its rich history, picturesque countryside, and, of course, sleep-deprived inhabitants…
Did you know that one in seven Brits are getting by on a measly five hours of sleep or less per night. Yes, you read that right. It seems that us Brits are struggling to catch those elusive zeds, and it’s not just because of the unpredictable weather or our rubbish government.
In the modern world, sleep has become a luxury that many of us struggle to obtain. With our busy schedules, endless to-do lists, and constant distractions, it’s no wonder we’re all walking around like caffeine-fuelled zombies. But have you ever stopped to consider how your daily habits might be sabotaging your precious slumber?
Spending Too Much Time On Our Phone
First and foremost, we must address the elephant in our hands: our beloved smartphones. These pocket-sized devices have become an extension of ourselves, and it’s no secret that we’re spending far too much time on them, on average 4 hours and 14 minutes a day, in fact.
Unfortunately, research suggests that those of us who are ‘joined at the hip’ to our smartphones and tablets are worsening the quality of their sleep. The research also stated that not only should the likes of smartphones be avoided before bed, but that too much use throughout the day can also have a negative impact on sleep.
It’s no secret that the blue light emitted from your phone screen can suppress melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. Indeed, it is crucial to refrain from using your smartphone, especially close to bedtime, as the blue light emitted by the device can disturb the natural production of melatonin – the hormone responsible for inducing sleep.
So, next time you find yourself scrolling through social media or binge-watching cat videos before bed, remember that you’re only making it more difficult for yourself to drift off to dreamland. Our advice? Sleep in a different room to your phone, so you won’t be tempted to pick it up.
Worrying Too Much
Us Brits are known for their stiff upper lip, but that doesn’t mean we’re immune to stress and anxiety. In fact, we reckon that our tendency to bottle up our emotions might be contributing to our sleepless nights.
Constantly fretting about work, relationships, that awkward encounter with a neighbour, or something we said to stranger last week can keep our minds racing when we should be resting.
Shona Wilkinson, nutritionist at SuperfoodUK.com, cautions that “concerns about keeping life’s spinning plates from dropping (metaphorically) can leave us feeling anxious during the day as well as into bedtime. Many will say they try to get to sleep but they are distracted by worries, which get in the way of feeling relaxed and naturally falling asleep”.
So what’s a sleep deprived Brit to do? Shona recommends using vitamin B5 in the day time to support the nervous system. “I’d also recommend using the traditional herbal medicine – passionflower” she adds. Passionflower is sometimes used for feelings of mild anxiety (so can be used in the daytime) as well as a sleep aid for night time.
Also consider taking up meditation or mindfulness practices to help calm your mind before bedtime.
“Hitting snooze on your alarm, prolonging waking yourself up, can disrupt your morning, as you are starting a new sleep cycle, which you won’t be able to finish before your alarm goes off again. This sleeping habit can make you feel groggier in the day, and can even disrupt sleep the next night too”, explains nutritionist Cassandra Barns.
Yep, while it may seem like a harmless way to snag a few extra minutes of shut-eye, hitting snooze can actually wreak havoc on your sleep cycle. You see, when you drift back to sleep after hitting snooze, your body starts a new sleep cycle that it won’t have time to complete. This leaves you feeling groggy and disoriented, making it even harder to drag yourself out of bed. So, next time your alarm goes off, resist the siren call of the snooze button and face the day head-on (or, you know, face-first into your pillow).
Indulging in Heavy Foods
We all love a good feed from time to time, but indulging in heavy foods, especially close to bedtime, can make it harder for our bodies to wind down. Foods high in water content, hidden caffeine, and super sugary treats are also best avoided before hitting the hay.
And let’s not forget about spicy and acidic foods, which can cause heartburn and indigestion, making it even more challenging to get a good night’s sleep. So, next time you’re tempted to have that late-night curry or chocolate binge, think twice about the potential consequences for your slumber.
Dr. Marilyn Glenville, author of Natural Alternatives To Sugar, adds; “ensure you are eating little and often during the day to keep your blood sugar steady. This will ensure that the hormone cortisol will start to wind down when you go to bed, as it is supposed to do”.
She also suggests adding more magnesium to your diet, explaining that “magnesium is known as ‘nature’s tranquilliser’ and has a calming relaxing effect on the body. It is particularly helpful if your sleep is being disturbed by cramps, as it is a muscle relaxant. Try to include magnesium rich foods into your diet, such as leafy greens”.
Being Sedentary & Moving Too Little
It’s no secret that sitting all day isn’t great for your health, but did you know it can also affect your sleep? Yep, staying active during the day can help tire you out and make it easier to fall asleep at night.
Research suggests that those who exercise tend to sleep better than those who classify themselves as ‘non-exercisers’. However, the study found that even just by sitting down less a day could help improve the quality of sleep, so you don’t even have to be a ‘gym bunny’ to feel the benefits of exercise. Working out can also be a great stress reliever, helping your to feel more relaxed and ready for a good snooze by the evening.
Working out can play a major role in managing stress levels. There are two main factors affecting this, firstly, any physical activity boosts the production of the ‘happy hormone’ endorphin, also commonly known as the ‘runner’s high’. Endorphins trigger a positive feeling in the body, which reduces the feeling of pain and helps you to relax.
Too Much Caffeine
Caffeine..that magical elixir that keeps us functioning despite our chronic sleep deprivation. While a cup or two of coffee in the morning can help jumpstart your morning, consuming too much caffeine throughout the day can lead to a vicious cycle of sleeplessness. Indeed, caffeine can make it difficult to fall asleep, reduce the amount of deep sleep you get, and even delay your body clock.
“Stimulants such as tea and coffee should be avoided. Caffeine can stay in the body for up to 12 hours; so if you do have sleep problems, avoid tea or coffee from about 12 noon onwards. Also, strong dark chocolate may be better for us than milk chocolate but also contains other stimulants similar to caffeine so is best avoided before bed”, says Shona Wilkinson.
So, before you reach for that fifth cup of coffee, consider switching to a less stimulating beverage, like herbal tea or good old-fashioned water.
Having An Irregular Bedtime & Waking Routine
Oh, the joys of being a night owl! Who needs a regular bedtime routine when you can binge-watch your favourite shows, scroll through social media, or have late-night chats with friends? But beware; irregular bedtime habits may be wreaking havoc on our sleep and overall health.
Recent studies have shown that not sticking to a consistent wake-up and bedtime schedule can lead to a plethora of issues, including obesity, high cholesterol, hypertension, and even an increased risk of heart attack. Yikes! Moreover, irregular sleep schedules can also contribute to depression insomnia (of course) and other health issues.
That said, it’s not just night owls who are wreaking havoc on their sleep health. Dr. Marilyn Glenville says that “many women I see are actually falling asleep around 9pm and then find they are waking too early in the morning”.
Indeed, if you wake up too early you may end up depriving yourself consistently of much-needed sleep, which has a serious impact on your health. Glenville says that “you want to try to go to bed at the same time and get up at the same time every day. A cup of herbal tea, like camomile, an hour before bed can begin the routine. Getting up at the same time is most important”.
It seems that by constantly changing our sleep-wake times, we’re throwing our internal clocks into chaos.
Not Making Your Room A Sleep Haven
While a cluttered room might not seem like a big deal, it can actually have a significant impact on your sleep. A disorganised space can be a source of stress and make it difficult to relax and fall asleep. Plus, who wants to drift off surrounded by piles of laundry and mugs of half drunken tea.
Moreover, “it’s important to keep work out of the bedroom, so move studying and getting through your emails to another room”, says nutritionist Shona Wilkinson.
“This helps you to associate your bedroom as a place of rest. Establish the mood of the room, making it a calm and relaxing environment, this includes the colour of the walls, bed linen and décor, avoiding very bright, stimulating colours”.
So do yourself a favour and tidy up your sleeping space – your mind and body will thank you.
Drinking Too Much
Sure, a glass of wine or a cold beer might help you unwind after a long day, but drinking too much alcohol can seriously disrupt your sleep. Alcohol can cause insomnia, reduce REM sleep, and lead to frequent nighttime awakenings.
Dr. Marilyn Glenville explains; “not only does alcohol affect blood sugar levels causing adrenaline and cortisol to be released, but it also blocks the transport of tryptophan into the brain. Tryptophan is important because it is converted into serotonin, the calming and relaxing neurotransmitter”.
So, while it might be tempting to drown your sleep-deprived sorrows in a bottle of Merlot, consider cutting back on the booze if you want to catch some quality zeds.
The Bottom Line
Our daily habits can have a significant impact on our sleep – for better or worse. But improving our habits, from resisting the snooze button, cutting back on caffeine and moderating our alcohol intake, can set ourselves up for a better night’s rest.
After all, there’s nothing quite like waking up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day – or at least that’s what we’ve heard…
Casual Fridays are a bit of a weird concept, aren’t they? Because if your boss ‘allows’ you to wear what you want for just one day a week, then what does that say about their control over you for the other four? But seeing as most offices have one, it’s a wise move to use them to your advantage; by putting your best foot forward and displaying a little of your personality. Here’s how we think they should be done; our 4 IDEAL style tips for Casual Fridays.
DEFINE CASUAL
OK, let’s start by making things complicated. Unfortunately, there’s no universal rule when it comes to casual Friday. The definition of ‘casual’ or ‘dress down’ can be wildly different from company to company, presenting a problem from the off.
For example, in a more formal environment, casual Friday might just involve not wearing a tie. In others, jeans and trainers, such as these from headoverheels.co.uk, might be acceptable. If in doubt, ask your manager or a colleague. Or simply be a rebel and don your Monday to Thursday clothes. After all, there’s a lot to be said for not conforming.
DON’T GO OVERBOARD WITH JEWELLERY
If jewellery isn’t really a thing during your Monday-Thursday routine, try to resist the urge to go overboard as soon as Friday arrives. Sure, as we all know, accessorising is a big deal; something that can transform your appearance and give personality when you’re in a uniform. But let’s face it, too much of the stuff can be restrictive and irritating when trying to get a job done efficiently.
PRIORITISE COMFORT
Though a switch from suit to slippers might be a little too drastic, it can be liberating to really embrace comfort on the one day of the week you can get away with it. Basically, if you think it’s acceptable, trackies are the dream here. Otherwise, loose fitting, soft materialed stuff is perfect. Perhaps we’d stop short at a onesie, though.
WHAT TO AVOID
Generally, we’d love to implore you to wear anything you damn please. It’s your life, body and sense of style, and you shouldn’t let anyone dictate your dress. There are, however, items which you’d be wise to avoid, in order to keep the fabric of the office smooth and fractureless. So, it’s probably not a great idea to wear something which exposes your midriff or is properly revealing. Flip flops, from a practical perspective, are also ill advised; you might be at heightened risk of a workplace injury in such footwear. Finally, we’d also suggest steering clear of shorts; it simply looks a little sloppy.
With all eyes on you as you walk down the aisle, and a lifetime’s worth of looks in photo albums and on Facebook, getting your wedding dress right is as crucial to your big day as choosing the right husband. It can be a stressful, perilous journey; pitfalls, mishaps, budget limitations and time constraints mean you have to set your sights a little lower, higher, or even sideways, but with our help, it’s all smooth shopping based sailing from here on in; our 5 IDEAL tips for choosing the perfect wedding dress.
START EARLY
Common knowledge dictates that you need to start looking for your dress at least nine months before the big day. This is to allow time for your dress to be ordered and for any alterations to be made. However, before you even start shopping, you should decide on the theme of the wedding so you can match your dress to the overall style and vibe, and cut out a fair bit of the faff in the shopping process. Is it going to be a casual garden party, a barn dance or a more regal affair? Choose a few specific words to describe the type of wedding (mood boards at the ready) you want to help narrow down your dress selection before your first bridal boutique appointment.
KNOW YOUR STYLE
Warning – during the next few months you’re going to be baffled by loads of wedding dress jargon. Brocade, charmeuse and georgette, anyone? Nope, us neither. But one phrase you do need to know regards the type of silhouette you want – in other words the shape of the dress. There are endless options of silhouettes like mermaid, A-line, sheath and empire. Once you know the shape you want, you can start looking at the finer details such as ruffles, bows and pearl buttons. If, conversely, you start with those details and fall in love with something fast, you may end up with a dress that doesn’t actually flatter your frame.
Of course, if you are not sure of what will work well, and don’t fancy a gamble on such a big decision, you could consider opting for something simple, classic and dependable like a lace wedding dress. Neither minimal nor too extra, it’s the perfect foundation from which to accessorise and glam up in other areas.
CONSIDER THE WEDDING LOCATION
The type of wedding you’re hosting, as well as its physical location, should play a part in your choice of dress. An oft overlooked aspect, the sense of place should be reflected in your style. Should you be planning on having a daytime ceremony by the beach, for instance, then ball dresses with long trains should be ruled out as they’d look (and feel) totally inappropriate. On the flipside, if your wedding falls into the formal bracket, and is being held in a church, a sassy and revealing number might not suit the mood. View this advice as a useful tool in narrowing down your options, rather than allowing it to restrict you.
BEST BUDGET PRACTICE
It’s such a well established fact that it barely needs repeating, but we’ll do it anyway, for posterity’s sake; weddings are seriously expensive. Sticking to your budget is nigh on impossible, but it’s crucial that you behave within your means during the dress buying process. Set an amount, sternly, that you wish to spend on the dress and inform the salesperson before s/he start giving suggestions. You will meet lots of stylish dresses along the way, and without a budget, you might end up falling for the one that will only drain your funds.
GET THE TOP RIGHT
With so much focus on the train during the all important aisle walk, it’s often forgotten that actually, this is the least important (see: least photographed) part of the dress. Most people are going to notice the top of the wedding dress first, and you’ll find that many of your wedding photos will be taken from the waist up. Therefore, make sure that the top half of your dress has all those important little details that you’re looking for. That’s not to say you should ignore what the bottom half looks like, but it’s better to sacrifice some details here than the other way round.
This just in; houses have been shrinking since the 1970s, and are now at their smallest for decades. This, coupled with our capitalism fuelled, ever more obsessive desire to accumulate ‘stuff’, has led to something of a surplus space deficiency. The end result of this is dangerous forays into lofts not fit for purpose, expensive third party storage solutions and a general sense of clutter not conducive to clear thinking and clean living.
The answer? Well, it might lie somewhere very close to home. Indeed, for many homeowners, garage spaces are highly under-utilised but incredibly useful if their power is harnessed. In doing so, value can be added to a home and clarity to a mind. So, should be lucky enough to have one, here are 4 IDEAL ways to utilise your garage space.
FIRST, DECLUTTER
Before you can fully maximise your garage’s storage potential, you first need to declutter. Be ruthless – cruel, even – in your approach; this is, after all, about freeing up space. De-cluttering is your strongest weapon in the fight against mess. ‘Tidy home, tidy mind’ as the old saying goes, and there’s certainly a modicum of truth to be found there.
Having a clean, organised place can help you feel rested and productive, and that’s what we’re after here right? So, it bears repeating, and with gusto; be ruthless and declutter wherever possible. Any items left remaining in the clearout should be neatly boxed and labelled to prevent them turning into junk later down the line.
SIMPLE STORAGE SOLUTIONS
Next, you should consider simple but innovative ways to store objects in your garage that allow you to maximise the space you have. After all, you don’t want this space to simply be a dumping ground, and in creating simple storage solutions, you’ll free up room in the garage for other more fruitful purposes.
Racking and shelving are great starting points for organising your garage, so invest a little in durable storage units in order to cope with the strain of heavy items; you wouldn’t want to sustain an injury due to shoddy structural concerns, now would you? This can help to increase the floor space in your garage and keep your possessions easily accessible, too.
Also consider investing in ceiling storage units or garage storage lifts, as these can maximise the vertical space in your garage. These forms of structures are particularly effective for larger items like bicycles, kayaks, or even seasonal decorations, keeping them off the ground while still within reach. Additionally, overhead systems are perfect for hobbyists who need to store specialised gear like fishing rods or surfboards, making the most out of your available space.
You should also consider investing in ceiling storage units as these can maximise the space in your garage, and offer storage solutions which don’t take up any prime floor real estate; an excellent system to store large equipment such as canoes, skis and other hobby items.
Finally, cabinets can be effective if you are thinking of converting your garage as these hide the items that the cabinets contain from view, making your room look neater and cleaner.
DIY ORGANISATION TECHNIQUES
Also available to you are myriad DIY organisational techniques to help you to utilise your garage space and make sure that you’re optimising the space available to you. This can include making wire tool holders from scratch to help you store small equipment for work or hobbies, or fashioning hooks and hangers to hold items on the wall, but out the way.
CONSIDER A CONVERSION
If the aforementioned space is going unused, you should consider renovating or converting your garage for a different purpose. For instance, garages can make great entertainment or play rooms (nope, we can’t bring ourselves to say ‘man cave’) or home offices as they are separate from the rest of the house and so will be quieter and more private.
If you have a hobby that requires workshop, garage conversions can also work well as one as they will have the storage facilities needed and will stop the rest of your house from becoming dirty or damaged by practicalities like woodwork or soldering. for instance. Garages will most likely be under permitted development for planning permission, but always check the necessities and apply to get any conditions removed should this be the case.
Some say golf is a ‘good walk spoiled’. For others, it’s an excuse for a dram of whiskey and a few hours away from ‘the other half’. But for those with more than a passing passion for the sport, a trip abroad with an emphasis on the ol’ club and ball can be a dream holiday indeed. To ensure the excursion is above par, not chunked, you’ll need a little planning and foresight. We’re here to help with that; our 7 IDEAL ways to make the most out of golfing holiday.
GO ALL-INCLUSIVE
Golfing holidays are renowned for hidden costs, add ons and extras. A way to circumnavigate these expenses is by opting for an all inclusive golfing holiday. Such a deal takes the pressure off having to take care of all the finer details, giving you more time to focus on your golf instead of sweating the small stuff. Should you decide to go it alone on the organising front, be particularly aware of the ‘green fee’, which is what a golf course charges punters to play but is usually covered in an all inclusive arrangement, which brings us to our next point…
GET TO GRIPS WITH GREEN FEES AND TEE-TIMES
Some courses have three or four prices for green fees: weekday, weekend, day ticket and twilight. Weekday green fees are generally cheaper as the demand is higher at weekends. Moreover, twilight times are, again, more affordable because a golfer might not get in a full round before the lights go down. Other things that influence the cost’s fluctuations include the day of the week, weather, existing bookings and group bookings. As such, and even though getting a group of friends to commit can be tough, it’s definitely worth while. Travelling in a large group not only can save you money, it also allows for extra on-course competition and more fun.
When it comes to tee-times, it’s imperative to do your research if you want to get the most bang for your buck on your golfing holiday. The rates of rounds vary from month to month and even at times within that actual month so research, research, research.
CONSIDER HIRING EVERYTHING
Transporting your equipment can get seriously pricey; a whole load of luggage excess which can do some serious damage to your bank balance. Instead, leave your golf clubs behind and hire them at your destination, saving you both money and the enormous hassle of transporting them.
If the club doesn’t provide the opportunity to hire clubs, you could take advantage of the many used golf clubs for sale online, buying them at a knock down price and leaving them at your destination for another lucky punter to take on. If you are planning on bringing your own clubs, avoid a surprise at the check-in desk by first researching whether your airline allows golf clubs to be stowed away, brought on board or heaven forbid, neither.
EMERGING GOLF DESTINATIONS
Although a week in the Algarve is the golfing holiday of choice for many, such ubiquity can mean this perennially popular golf resort gets both crowded and costly during the high season. Perhaps you should consider casting your covetous gaze further afield, towards one of the many emerging golf destinations rising in credibility and clout in recent years. Particularly on the rise (and a great holiday aside from the golf) are several South East Asian countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Just make sure you pack a sun hat.
CHECK THE WEATHER
Speaking of weather, regardless of where you’re going, you should study your destination’s weather patterns before you book. Indeed, a golf holiday in Florida may be ruined in September because you’re likely to encounter heavy rain and an odd hurricane whereas teeing off in the midday heat in the Algarve during the warmer months could be pretty unbearable, too.
SPEND TIME OFF THE FAIRWAYS
While a golfing holiday is just that, if you spend all of your time furrowing fairways, then you may as well just be having a few rounds on your local golf course. Instead, embrace the (for want of a better term) apres-golf, and take the opportunity to dive into the local culture and cuisine. Moreover, if your golfing obsession risks driving a wedge between you and your partner, ensure that the place you’ve chosen has plenty of other distractions – shopping, swimming, galleries, you name it – on offer apart from the lure of sport.
START PLAYING EARLY
Though the idea of a leisurely breakfast and getting onto the course mid-morning seems like a wonderful notion – loose, low and lazy – in reality, by this time the course is usually full and you’ll have to wait for every swing and shot. So, as a rule, avoid mid morning tee-times. Instead, ride out the hangover (or avoid it altogether) and hit your first shot bright, early and in relative peace so you can make the most out of your golfing holiday.
It’s impossible not to enjoy thecraicwhen in Dublin. The Irish capital simply has that x factor, one which inspires jollity, frivolity and frolics. And while it’s a steadying pint of Guinness which most seek out as the first thing to pass their lips in the city, Dublin’s food scene is fast becoming its premier attraction, with everything from fine dining to street food satisfying hungry visitors nightly. So, if you’re planning a trip here with food at the forefront of your agenda, you’ll be in need of a little guidance to make the most of every mouthful. This is what you need; our 5 IDEAL foodie things to do in Dublin.
TAKE A TASTING TOUR OR TWO
Yep, we realise we said ‘foodie’, but a visit to Dublin wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Guinness Storehouse, so it’s here we shall head. This is the ultimate brewery experience, telling the tale of Ireland’s famous beer, with brewing tips, tastings and a rooftop bar. And now the whistle is wet, a saunter along to the The Irish Whiskey Museum certainly will keep the train in motion. This interactive, ultra-modern whiskey tour offers the chance to learn about (and of course taste) Ireland’s favourite liquor – the uisce beatha, water of life, or as we know it, whiskey. Pack some precautionary paracetamol, we think.
REVEL IN THE FLOURISHING RESTAURANT SCENE
In recent years Dublin’s restaurant scene has exploded in popularity, ambition and scope. Not that there’s anything wrong with a pub lunch of traditional Irish stew with a side of colcannon and soda bread, but these days the options are limitless and infinitely globe spanning. And that’s never a bad thing. Fine dining is now given a big billing in the city, with Michelin recognising 60 restaurants, including 2 starred Patrick Guiband and four one starred establishments. That’s not to say it’s all starched white table cloths, silver service, Francophile flourishes and you having to sell a kidney to afford a bite. Nope, some of our favourites are also some of the most reasonable.
If you’ve got time and the tummy space, check out Bastible (named after the cooking pot which used to sit proudly in the centre of every Irish dinner table) who cook modern fare using local ingredients only when they’re on song with the season. Their sibling restaurant Clanbrassil House in Merchant’s Quay is equally good, with their hash browns already achieving cult status in the city. If you’re keen on a blowout, then the Greenhouse is the hottest ticket in town.
As an island, Ireland’s sea bounty is reliably top notch. From wonderfully plump native oysters and mussels to Dublin Bay prawns and fresh wild Atlantic salmon, all the way to gorgeous lobsters, if you’re after a fish supper, then Ireland certainly delivers one. However, you don’t have to travel to Wild Atlantic Way to sample the country’s best seafood; Dublin dishes up fresh fish from around the Ireland which will have you joyously ‘crying cockles and mussels alive alive oh’ through the streets of Dublin.
For fish’n’chips elevated a fair few levels skywards, try out Fish Shop on Benburb street. Or, enjoy Irish oysters, Lambay Island crab claws and some serious seafood from the island’s coast at the Klaw, a crabshack in the city. Or, get a dose of a dozen oysters at the Temple Bar Food Market, which brings us to our next point….
TEMPLE BAR FOOD MARKET
No visit to any city would be complete without a trip to the local market and Temple Bar Food Market is Dublin’s premier experience of this kind. Every Saturday between 10am and 4:30pm, Meeting House Square transforms into a foodie mecca to rival London’s Borough or La Bourqeria in Barca. Though perhaps not as expansive as those two, Temple more than makes up for its lack of quantity with some serious quality. The roughly twenty vendors dish up food focused on the seasonal and local, with Irish cheeses and artisanal charcuterie the pick of the bunch. Come hungry, leave with your hands full.
TAKE A COOKING CLASS
After having so many others cook for you, it’d be good to take something back with you when you leave Dublin, not in terms of souvenirs but rather skills. Fortunately, the Irish capital offers a whole host of cracking cooking classes in Dublin, which are an excellent cultural experience, as well as being sociable and most importantly, highly informative. Want to learn how to cook boxty the proper way, know the optimum proving time for soda bread, the correct way to slice spring onions for champ and the differences between white and black pudding? Well, all those nuggets and many more are just waiting to be learned.
You’ve probably heard from the mouth of anyone who wears a watch with regularity the immortal words; ‘I feel naked without it’. As such, an insight into the functionality of the modern day timepiece; not so often for functionality – you have a phone for that, of course – but more as an item of aesthetic value. Yep, a watch is as much an expression of personality and preferences than it is an item to tell the time. With that in mind, here are 5 tips on choosing the IDEAL watch for you lifestyle.
CONSIDER THE OVERALL STYLE
You have likely heard of sports watches, or perhaps have seen the subtle class implied through the wearing of a luxury watch? Before anything else, it’s a good idea to figure out which style of watch is best suited to your needs. Are you content with a casual watch that you can wear wherever you go? Do you wish to convey your exquisite taste via a luxury piece or your lavish lifestyle by flashing a bit of bling? Do you lead an active lifestyle, and are in need of precision time tracking features and durability? Ask yourself these questions to narrow down the precise style of watch you’re seeking, before you hone in on the finer details and functionality of your timepiece.
Like a car, a watch says a lot about you; a smartwatch can nod to your modernity and tech smarts while an exquisite, timeless piece can show you have an appreciation for the finer things in life. If you’re looking for such an iconic time piece and have the money to spare, then you can’t go wrong with a watch like that of a Patek Philippe, Rolex or a classic Omega watch.
While most people are content with owning a watch with minimal water resistance just to prevent damage from the odd splash of water here and there, there are others who enjoy the extra protection afforded when they shower, swim, bathe – or perhaps even dive. In such situations, it’s vital to check the small print for the level of water resistance provided, and at what depth. If not – and without wishing to rain on your parade – you may end up being disappointed the next time you’re caught in a thunderstorm or staring a seahorse in the face.
ANALOGUE OR DIGITAL?
Just as some people have a traditional mindset when it comes to their choice of time piece, others prefer one which taps into their techie side. As such, a straight up decision between digital and analogue needs to be taken early in the watch buying process. In short, digital offers a sense of precision and obviously, ever more evolving extras. On the other hand (or should that be wrist?) analogue watches work more like a piece of jewellery, in that they are more pleasing to the eye. Either way, such a watch would benefit from a quality omega deployment clasp – it is all about the little details after all!
WARDROBE OVER WRIST
When honing in on the perfect watch, it’s really important that you consider the colours and styles which make up your wardrobe. As we’ve already established, your watch is as much about looking good as actually telling the time. But, it’s amazing how many buyers neglect to really consider how the watch’s look will fit in with their overall sense of fashion. If you like to dress from a minimalist, monochrome colour palette, for instance, then a watch with a tan strap is going to look really out of place and disrupt the whole synergy of your look. And if your look is very much on the glitz and glamour side, then a lowkey casio might not appear appropriate. Essentially, pull your focus away from the watch and think holistically here, we think.
KEEP THE STATEMENT SUBTLE
Yes, we’re all about the statement watch. After all, they’re an investment and as such need to be a piece that you’re proud to wear on any occasion. Versatility, which is found through keeping things subtle and not showy, is the key here. Subtlety of course takes many forms, but as a rule, keep the bling minimal and the golds and silvers reserved for accessorising rather than making up the main body of the piece. Most importantly, keep the watch face size harmonious and in accordance with your wrist size; in general a standard face should be 26-29mm and a mini watch’s 23-25mm in diameter.
Your passport is ready, bags packed and you’re excited toget going on a new adventure. All systems go! Or is it? Quick reminder; have you planned for how you’re going to see the world if you’re travelling with glasses? Silly question maybe, but if you lose or break your specs, you won’t be seeing much of anything at all – with clarity, anyway – so it’s essential to prepare for any scenario. Because how many times have you misplaced, stepped on, dropped overboard or left behind your glasses while away? If you’re like us, it’s a lot. And hopefully after reading this, never again. Here are 6 IDEAL tips for travelling with glasses.
KNOW YOUR EYE PRESCRIPTION
You could be the most prepared traveller around, with military precision assigned to passport safety, booking times, airport transfers and the rest, but even with plenty of smart planning, there’s still the possibility of losing or breaking your glasses in a foreign country with limited access to an optometrist. At this point, you need to know the finer details of your eye prescription, so it’s a good idea to have a physical copy with you, as well as one online or in the cloud so you can refer to it from anywhere. It never hurt to be cautious on occasions like this.
HAVE A BACK-UP PAIR OF GLASSES ONLINE
Though you’ve followed our previous advice and made your prescription easily accessible, it can still be difficult and time-consuming to find a new pair of glasses abroad — especially if your day is jam-packed, you’re travelling around, or just have better things to do. And let’s face it, almost any itinerary item counts as ‘better’ than searching for new specs.
So, your next step is to know exactly where to order cheap prescription glasses from, in case of emergency. Using an online optician, you can choose your frame, select the type of lense you require, add your prescription details, then pay online and they can be dispatched between three and five working days to anywhere in the world. Super convenient; just squint for a couple of days and you’re good to go.
TAKE AN EXTRA PAIR
Accidents happen, even more so when you’re living outside of your usual routine and in unfamiliar surroundings. You’ll start out being super careful with your glasses – overly so, even – but before you know it, you’ve put them down somewhere without realising or left them in the hotel for the maid to sweep away with last night’s debris. Not to worry, if you have a spare pair, that is. Consider making ultra light folding glasses your back up, as they are ideal for travelling and most fold into pocket size compact carry cases manageably.
INVEST IN A HARD CASE
Losing your glasses isn’t the only likely reason you’ll need a spare pair. When running through the airport (missed flight anyone?) or in another instance of needing to be speedy, we tend to stuff glasses into our bag without thinking, along with everything else. As a result, it’s not uncommon to end up with a broken frame or scratched lens. Mitigate this risk by investing in a stylish hard case which you cherish, to encourage you to use it every time your glasses aren’t on your face. That way, you can continue to throw the case in your bag when you’re in a rush and your glasses are well-protected.
PACK AN EYEGLASS REPAIR KIT
Wear and tear on your glasses will happen no matter where you are, but if it’s something simple, you may be able to fix it yourself on the road. This is where a simple repair kit comes in. These include an assortment of tiny screws, different size screwdrivers and a lens cleaning cloth (which you can use on your camera too) so if the frame is feeling loose or a screw has popped out, you can handle it quickly and with minimal fuss.
CONSIDER PRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES
While you’re enjoying your holiday, you don’t need to compromise on fashion when the sun comes out — yes, we’re looking at you, the one who wears their sunglasses on top of glasses. It’s not a good look guys. Instead, pick a sunglasses style of your choice, which can be fitted with a custom-made lens to include both your prescription and a custom-made lens with 100% UV protection. The perfect solution to look stylish and to keep your eyes safe.
Ah, the city break. Beloved of Brits, threatened by Brexit but bound to keep going whatever the colour of our passports.Because you can’t keep a good holiday down, so regardless of a falling pound and potential new visa requirements, it’s likely that short jaunts on the continent will continue, with enthusiasm, simply in a new shape and different place in the future. With time short and currency rates unpredictable, a little in-the-know advice is crucial to a great time when so much is at stake. The good news is, we’ve got it; our 6 IDEAL hacks for getting the most out of a city break.
PLAN WITH PRECISION
Time is of the essence when you’re on a city break. Indeed every moment, minute and memory is precious and you don’t want to waste them sitting in your hotel lobby, googling what to do and where to go. Try to draw up a pretty thorough itinerary before you leave, and while it shouldn’t be set in stone, it’ll help structure your trip so you can make the most of every single second.
It’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the layout of the city and use an app which doesn’t require wifi so you can easily find your way around. There’s nothing worse than wasting time, looking for a coffee shop just so you can use their wifi to find somewhere that’s only five minutes down the road.
CHOOSE YOUR AREA & ACCOMMODATION WISELY
One of the biggest mistakes made on a smash, grab and brag kinda holiday is succumbing to the urge to do too much. The ‘we don’t have long, let’s cram it all in’ mentality can be often be counterintuitive. Because a city break shouldn’t be about being constantly on the move, in public transport and a rush. Instead, it should be about getting to know a place as efficiently as possible, and adapting to the local’s way of doing things in a way which allows you a little glimpse of a different way of living. This is why choosing your accommodation wisely is vital; you’ll want to be within walking distance of places which hold unique interest to you.
It’s often prudent to hone in on one area for your stay and focus all of your energy there. If it’s a weekend in the big smoke, perhaps you want to explore the bright lights of the West End’s world famous theatre district. Or maybe the breweries and beards of trendy Hoxton and Shoreditch is more your vibe? Wherever your interests lie, consider aserviced apartment in London as a gateway into a more local way of living. In choosing this kind of accommodation, you can base yourself in a neighbourhood and engage with a community more organically than you would from a big, multi-national hotel. From Serviced Apartments in Hyde Park to Southbank, there are so many great places to stay just waiting to be discovered.
EXPLORE THE FOOD CULTURE
One of the best ways to really understand a city is through its food. There’s so much to be garnered through tracing back the historical and cultural influences a place and its people have had on its dishes. So with precision and focus still in mind, it’s sensible to focus your city break on just one theme, as it were, and food is perhaps the most all-encompassing route to engagement with a place. So, get amongst the markets and eat as the locals do and notice where they congregate; soon you might find yourself making friends with people with invaluable, in-the-know tips. The worst that’ll happen is a really good feed.
Common ground is so often found with strangers over food. So, take every opportunity when a conversation is struck up with a taxi driver, hotel receptionist, adjacent drinker or shopkeeper to ask for the best insider insight about where to eat local food. At the very least, you’ll unearth somewhere perhaps not in the guidebooks on your foodie holiday. At best, new friendships will be forged. Lovely stuff.
TAKE A TOUR
We don’t mean one of those tours following a flag waving fella with a megaphone. Nope, we’re talking a rather more personalised, one on one experience, which allows you to curate the tour to your own preferences. When done right, there is perhaps no more succinct path to getting under the skin of a city quickly. Of course, each country will offer different deals, packages and levels of nuance, but as a general rule of thumb, a smaller group (and best as private) will be the most informative. A more compact arrangement allows for a more nimble sashay through the city and allows your esoteric tastes to be catered for without appearing selfish. In such a situation, don’t be afraid to state exactly what you want to see, eat, hear or do.
ENGAGE ON FOOT
If you’ve organised your accommodation with location in mind, then it can be really fulfilling and educational (not to mention healthy) to try to do the whole city break on foot alone. Because let’s be honest, who ever found a hidden gem from the vantage point of the tube or in a tax? But with your feet on terra firma, and your eyes looking ahead of you rather than at a screen, you’re sure to see so much more and engage with places and people not recommended in the guide books. You could even plan your own self-guided walking tour, pencilling in personalised pit stops to suit your eating, drinking and shopping needs.
AVOID THE COUNTDOWN
On the last day of a city break, most of us get caught up in a countdown of sorts; of ticking off the hours until we have to leave for the airport. There’s nothing worse than worrying away the morning, afternoon or whatever little time you have left on your city break, allowing the take off to take over your thoughts and plans. There are ways and means to lessen this dark cloud hanging over your final day; consider packing your bags the night before you have to leave, arranging your transport to the airport in advance, and then set an alarm and forget about it for the day.
