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7 IDEAL THINGS TO EAT IN PORTO

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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7 IDEAL THINGS TO EAT IN PORTO

Eating your way through Porto is a lot like having a history lesson. Not only will you leave with a belly full of delicious food, but also a greater understanding of the culture behind this wonderful city, country and its peoples. As with any great cuisine, the food here is heavy on the narrative; a story of war, peace, resistance and resilience. It’s enough to feed a whole novel. Instead, we’re afraid, you just have this article; our 7 IDEAL things to eat in Porto.

SUCCUMB TO SARDINES GRELHADO

Speak about Portuguese cuisine to anyone in the know and sardines will soon be a central talking point. They’re just so damn good here, the temperature of the surrounding Atlantic waters seemingly bringing out the best in the catch. Visit in late June, during the Festa de Sao Jao, and you’ll see them getting the grill treatment all over town, blistered, aromatic and at their best. If you still haven’t had your fill, catch a small boat across the river Duro to a small fishing village called Afurada where fish, it seems, are always on the barbie. Gourmet tinned sardines are also a big deal in Porto, and shouldn’t be missed.

PUT AWAY SOME PORT

The clue’s in the name with this one. In the UK port is synonymous with being your grandma’s favourite tipple, the one which only comes out at Christmas when you’ve drunk the rest of the house dry. But coming to Porto will completely change your opinion of this sweet, rich elixir forever. Try a refreshing glass of white port mixed with tonic, with a slice of orange; the Portuguese answer to gin and tonic and a light, refreshing libation.

ALHEIRA

Northern Portugal’s most famous sausage, Alheira takes its name from the Portuguese word ‘alho’ meaning garlic, a key ingredient in this meaty treat. This sausage is credited with saving hundreds of lives during the Spanish Inquisition, no surprise then that it’s one of the country’s most beloved, cherished foodie offerings.

Reportedly, it was invented by the Jewish community in Portugal during the Inquisition in order to prevent detection during the period, as traditional Portuguese sausages were filled with pork (not considered kosher and therefore not in the Jewish diet). To avoid detection, the sausages were instead made with duck, game and other meats, mixed with bread, and the product has prevailed in popularity to this day.

TRY SOME TRIPE

The people of Porto are sometimes nicknamed ‘tripeiros” or ‘tripe eaters’. Tripe dishes are said to have originated in the 14th century, when supposedly all meat, except for offal, was shipped out of Porto to feed Portuguese troops in Africa, leaving the delicious good stuff behind. Born out of necessity, like so many great dishes across the world, tripe has since become a local speciality.

Tripas à Modas do Porto is perhaps the best realisation of this centuries old love affair; a beautiful stew containing, generally, veal tripe, butter beans and dried spices like paprika and cumin. These days other meats are added to the pot; we’ve had a cracking version which contained smoked sausage and veal shank. Crusty bread is mandatory for mopping.

BITE INTO SOME BACALHAU

Bacalhau is a Portuguese speciality of dried and salted cod. There are lots of different versions; rumour has the number at over 365 and thousands of ways to serve it. It goes without saying, then, that you shouldn’t leave Porto without trying one. Bolinhos de Bacalhau, a type of fish cake made with the salt cod, parsley and potato, is perhaps our favourite utilisation of this great ingredient. In Porto, you’ll find it everywhere; especially good with a cold beer cradled in the other hand.

FEAST UPON THE FRANCESCINHA

The Francescinha sandwich (literally, ‘Little French Female’) is, to many, Porto on a plate. Be warned, this gut busting dish isn’t one for faint-hearted or for those watching their waistline but it’s delicious and a proud symbol of the place. The city’s speciality, this artery clogging little number is a sandwich with layers of ham, sausage and steak covered in a rich beer and tomato-based sauce. Now would somebody pass a tissue? There’s something Pavlovian going on here.

FEAST UPON THE FRANCESCINHA
Photo by Matheus De Moraes Gugelmim: https://www.pexels.com/photo/francesinha-with-fries-20095784/

PUNISH THE PASTRIES

Sure, we’ve all heard of pastéis de nata, a little puff pastry tart filled with an egg-yolk-rich custard considered to be the national sweet treat of Portugal. However, another puff pastry delight awaiting a face filling is Pastéis de Chaves, a speciality from the city of Chaves in the north of Portugal, which like Cornwall’s Cornish Pasty, has Protected Geographical Indication.

Eat them at A Loja dos Pastéis de Chaves, a store which prides itself on making them the traditional way. The Duro region is also famous for its almond growing, and the Tarte de Amêndoa (almond tart) is perhaps the finest celebration of this great ingredient’s abundance.

THE IDEAL GUIDE TO STARTING A MICROBREWERY

THE IDEAL FOOD TEAM
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THE IDEAL GUIDE TO STARTING A MICROBREWERY

In the UK, what was once the preserve of the esoteric taste and the hipster is now a fully blown, nationwide phenomenon. Yep, craft beer has gone from being brewed in the bathtub to on the lips of the household, with companies like Brewdog and Beavertown leading the way.  

With tart ‘sours’, ‘coffee porters’ and just about everything else in between, craft beer is now estimated to make up 6.5% of all beer sales in the UK. There are over 2,000 microbreweries now in production, with more popping up each week. But when it comes to creating quality over quantity, there’s no mistaking that running a microbrewery can be an incredibly energy-intensive process.

One large challenge faced by entrepreneurs looking to create an artisan beer is what energy supply is best to use (particularly if they’re off the mains gas grid), as well as how to keep costs to a minimum, and what bespoke flavor will help the beer bubble up in the collective conciousness. So, we’ve teamed up with gas bottle suppliers Flogas to give you the IDEAL guide to starting a microbrewery.

EQUIPMENT IS EVERYTHING

It doesn’t matter if you’re a dedicated and passionate connoisseur of the craft game; if you don’t make a profit, your might as well pour that passion down the drain. There is no brewery without viable business, after all. Microbreweries are notoriously difficult to get off the ground financially, so by doing things right early on, you can give a boost to your company’s profit margins in the often difficult teething stages.

Equipment is king. As you’re a small start up, durability is really important; constant breakdowns in your process will not only be expensive in terms of buying replacements, but also affect your tight profit margins at a time when cash flow walks a fine tightrope and peril stalks close behind. One of the main components in the brewing process is the mash system, which is commonly made up of the following:

  • Mash tank – Steeps barley into hot water and converts grain starches into fermentable sugars
  • Lauter tun – Separates the wort (or liquid) from the solids of the mash (much like a sieve)
  • Steam generator – Heats the kettle, which is then brought to a controlled temperature before the hops are added
  • Malt mill – Crushes the grain in preparation for brewing
  • Wort Pump – Re-circulates the mash for a higher efficiency, enhancing the clarity and quality of the brew
  • Plate Heat Exchanger/Wort Chiller – Quickly cools the hot wort ready for fermentation

Make sure you know this system inside out, so you can quickly get everything functioning at full capacity. Foolproof understanding of your equipment comes before creating of a great product.

OTHER VITAL SYSTEMS

Aside from this mashing stage, you’ll also need a fermentation system (where yeast is added and sugar turns into alcohol), a cooling system (to prevent bacteria growth and where beer can be stored ready for sale), a filtering system (to get rid of sediment for a higher-quality product) and, of course, sterilisation equipment (to ensure that bacteria doesn’t spoil your next batch of beer). There really is nothing more heartbreaking than brewing a batch of beer with love and commitment, only to find out that in the quality control stage that it’s tainted or ruined.

HOP TO IT

Having the right equipment is important, but there’s an even more decisive factor at play here. The ingredients you choose will dramatically impact the taste and consistency of your beer, and as such are the key consideration in the infant stages of your brewery.  As a newcomer to this game, in an every more crowded market, so much is about a distinctive flavour profile which raises your head above the parapet. With so many flavour combinations available, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating something truly stand out. But no matter how distinctive the taste, you’ll find all craft beer is made up of the following key components:  

  • Water – Water makes up around 90 percent of any beer. The pH and mineral content of your chosen water, as well as if it’s hard or soft, can affect the end result. so monitor this carefully. Simply chucking basic tap water into your master recipe won’t get the results you’re after, that’s for sure.
  • Barley – The percentage of your beer is decided largely by barley. It can also dramatically affect the body, taste and aroma of your finished product.
  • Hops – If you’ve ever queried where your favourite beer gets its flavor from, there’s a big chance it’s the hops. There are around 170 variations, meaning there’s plenty of choice when it comes to playing with flavour.
  • Yeast – It may be invisible, but it’s a key ingredient in any good beer nonetheless. Yeast has been used in beer brewing for centuries, and deserves respect. Essentially a fungus, yeast eats the sugars created in the malting process. By allowing it to ferment and feed off the sugars, alcohol is created as a byproduct.

ENERGY EFFICIENT BREWING

It’s not an easy task to launch your own microbrewery. Along with all the complications of the brewing process, the last thing you’ll want to worry about is extortionate energy prices, or an unreliable supply.

If you’re connected to the grid and require a commercial gas deal, or you’re in a rural area and need a dependable supply, it’s important to make a wise choice. LPG is a cleaner, cheaper and more efficient fuel and can provide major energy cost savings. With the lowest CO2 emissions of any fossil fuel, it’ll also mean a lower carbon footprint for your microbrewery.

 

5 IDEAL, PRACTICAL THINGS TO DO AFTER YOU MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL, PRACTICAL THINGS TO DO AFTER YOU MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME

HINGS TO DO AFTER YOU MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME Hey IDEAL, stop cramping our style and talking about the serious stuff over here, we’ve just moved into our new crib and want to celebrate. Well, congratulations, and there’s certainly time for that. But before you settle in to your new sofa and throw a party which tears the house down (metaphorically speaking, of course), first, there are some practical things to do to help you get comfy. And those are these; our 5 IDEAL, practical things to do after you move into your new home.

CHANGE THE LOCKS

You don’t want any Tom, Dick or Harriet wandering into your house, unless you’re into that kinda thing of course, so first things first, make sure your home is safe and secure. While it’s safe to assume that the estate agents surrendered their set of keys and the previous homeowners/tenants aren’t complete weirdos, it’s always a good idea to change your locks when you move into a new house, if only for peace of mind. Indeed, you never know who has a spare key to your new crib, or when they were last changed, unless you get those locks changed. It’s advisable to get a locksmith to do this, rather than tackle the job yourself, as many of our loose, faulty attempts at fitting one will testify. RJ Locksmith Colchester suggest that ”mortice locks, cylinder locks or rim cylinders” should be your first point of home security.

This is all about taking back control of your security, so do yourself a favour and get it done professionally. We spoke to Loughborough Locksmiths who also highlighted the importance of changing your locks for reasons beyond safety; some home insurance policies require that you have a specific set of locks for your home insurance to be valid. If you don’t take action and get the right type of lock for your new home, you could potentially raise your premium significantly, which brings us to…

HINGS TO DO AFTER YOU MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME

CHECK YOUR HOME INSURANCE

Before you hold that epic housewarming party, where tellys get chucked out of windows and someone backflips from the first-floor bedroom window into the flower beds below, you should get your home insurance shipshape and assured. The good news is that if you’re happy with your previous building and contents insurance, you can simply inform the insurer of your new address and they’ll do the leg (and paper) work in recalculating your premium. If for whatever reason you don’t currently have home insurance, then you’re going to want to be insured from the moment you arrive in your new pad, and perhaps even in the transition period. You’ll need to provide your new postcode, address, its market value and the value of items in your property to get a quote. Read this home insurance guide for newbies.

TAKE A METER READING

Almost the first thing you want to do after ceremoniously crossing the threshold of your new house is to head straight for the gas and electricity meter and take a reading. This is nothing more complicated than noting down the digits with a pencil and paper or taking a quick photo on your phone. Unlike the home insurance which you’ve transferred across, your energy providers will be attached to the property, on a ‘deemed contract’. If there aren’t any clues lying about, like bills or a helpful note from the previous tenants, you’ll need to find out who your energy provider is. The government’s Ofgem service can help with this. Should a cursory comparison reveal that you’re not getting the best deal on gas and electricity from your supplier, switching has never been easier with several comparison sites to find the best energy deals. It’s almost as if they really want your custom, huh?

CHECK YOUR SMOKE ALARMS & CARBON MONOXIDE.

Sure, the lights may be on and the devices showing signs of life, but it’s still a good idea to change the batteries in your new place’s smoke and carbon monoxide alarms just in case. If you’re in a particularly prudent mood, it’s wise to buy new alarms so their reliability and efficiency is guaranteed. There’s no way of knowing how old they are without a deep dive into model numbers and manuals. And nobody wants to do that.

HINGS TO DO AFTER YOU MOVE INTO YOUR NEW HOME

MEET THE NEIGHBOURS

“Neighbours, everybody needs good neighbours”. It’s a theme tune that everyone of a certain generation knows and a mantra we should all make an effort to nurture. If the relationship is harmonious, life is so much easier; an extra pair of eyes on your place while you’re away, a tolerance of a bit of late night noise from time to time, a friendly cup of sugar lent when you’re out…you get the picture. On the flipside, should the mood be fractious, then domestic bliss suffers. So, get round there post haste, introduce yourself, smile and project good cheer, maybe invite them to your housewarming party for drinks if that feels right.

5 IDEAL THINGS WE’RE INTO THIS WEEK 08.04.2019

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL THINGS WE’RE INTO THIS WEEK 08.04.2019

Here at IDEAL we realise that there’s more to this crazy dance than the accumulation of ‘stuff’. A life of accruing possessions will only accrue dust. Oiling the Capitalist wheels with your wallet won’t bring clarity, of that there’s no doubt…

But who can deny the positivity that a bit of pampering brings? There’s nothing wrong with taking a look inwards from time to time, letting go and just spoiling yourself. We’re sharing a few things bringing us a little peace of mind right now, and with Easter approaching, indulgence this week means chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. Here are 5 IDEAL things we’re into this week. Go on. You deserve this.

COCOA: AN EXPLORATION OF CHOCOLATE RECIPES BY SUE QUINN

If the author was intending to grab our attention with a bold and distinctive millennial pink front cover, well, they did. Indeed, just like a well branded, elegant slab of dark chocolate at the checkout point of a supermarket, we just couldn’t resist this book.

Written by Sue Quinn, a well known name amongst foodies and awarded the British Food Award by the Guild of Food Writers last year, this is a deep dive into the good stuff. From an honest, stark look at the dark history of chocolate production, to a wonderful exploration of our relationship with it, this is a book for those who want a more thorough, all encompassing understanding of the world’s most beloved sweet treat.

From 13.83 on Amazon

MAKE YOUR OWN EASTER EGG BY CHOC ON CHOC

Easter eggs; so appealing to look at but oh so disappointing to eat. Don’t you agree? There’s something about the chalky, dull chocolate which really doesn’t do it for us. But the pleasure of unwrapping one and cracking it open is one of pure, unbridled joy, make no mistake. Time to find a resolution then, to celebrate the best of both worlds this Easter. How? Well, make your own of course. Choc on Choc’s kit is aimed at the little ones, but it’s equally as fun for adults, too. Inside you get a chef’s hat, a mould and top quality Belgian milk chocolate buttons for melting. Lovely stuff.

£12 from www.notonthehighstreet.com

LAKELAND STAINLESS STEEL CHOCOLATE SCRAPER

If you want to crank up the skill levels several notches and replicate your food heroes from Great British Menu and Masterchef, then a chocolate scraper is the tool you need to get tempering. Proper chocolate work, this, and essential if you’re attempting something fancy and decorative, like Raymond Blanc’s showstopping chocolate coffee cup. Be sure not to have any coffee before shaping these delicate, delectable desserts; shaky hands simply won’t cut it here.

Chocolate Scraper £8.99 from Lakeland

THERMOSPATULA & STIRRER

Actually, we lied, a scraper isn’t the only tool you need to get you tempering with finesse. If you’re to temper chocolate properly, the fine balancing act of heating and cooling properly requires a thermometer, or better still a thermospatula, and a rigorous attention to the mercury.

Thermospatula £14.99 from Lakeland

KENWOOD, ICECREAM MAKER

If you fancy satisfying your sweet tooth in the kitchen but you’re all chocolated out, then making your own ice cream can be a whole lot of fun as an alternative. And surprisingly easy, too; a small investment of around 30 quid opens up a whole world of flavour possibilities. Right now we’re loving making the most of our rhubarb crop with a sorbet of the perky pink vegetable. Or, a delicious salted caramel ice cream is simple to do and pairs beautifully with a sweet, tart souffle to really impress dinner party guests.

5 IDEAL APPS TO MAKE YOUR NEXT FLIGHT MORE FUN

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL APPS TO MAKE YOUR NEXT FLIGHT MORE FUN

Of all the intricacies and intrigues of modern flight, one question persists more than any other; what is the point of ‘flight mode’? Sure, on terra firma it’s a battery saver, parent ignorer, sleep saver and so much more. But in the air, it seems kinda pointless. We’ve proven beyond all doubt – by not giving it a second thought during take off or landing – that it won’t bring a plane down, and with inflight wifi now offered as standard on most commercial planes, it really does seem more redundant than ever.

Time to embrace that access to the internet, then. And with the possibility for ever more broad entertainment options on board, those hungry for information, titillation or just short on a decent attention span now have no excuse to get restless. This article is for all of you; our 5 IDEAL apps to make your next flight more fun.

FLIGHT TRACKERS

Wait, hear us out; it’s not as boring as it sounds. In fact, once you get past the trainspotting esque geekery of a flight tracker, it can be pretty damn amazing. Sure, the in flight entertainment system allows you to track your own flight, but have you ever seen just how many planes are in the sky in a single moment, heading off in every possible direction and covering every part of the globe? It’ll either make you feel refreshingly insignificant or terrifyingly fragile. Whichever way you land, prepare to be awestruck. Some of the best around include Flightradar 24 and the Flight Tracker.

GUIDED MEDITATIONS

Should you have trouble sleeping on board, suffer from flight anxiety, or simply fancy using the time in the sky to get into a good meditative place, an app which offers guided meditations could (and should) be for you. Headspace and Calm are two of the most popular and user friendly in an increasingly crowded field, and both offer offline, downloadable sessions. The options for specific meditations are pretty much endless, so whatever kinks you have in your brain you’re wishing to iron out, making use of the down time of a plane journey is a sensible move for those in need of a little self care.

GAMING APPS

Yep, we said fun, so fun it is. Gaming apps come in all shapes and sizes, from the deliciously simple Candy Crush to something intricate and immersive such as the latest version of Football Manager. Obviously, the latter will leave you short of battery power before you’ve even reached your pre-season friendlies, so the more basic, streamlined gaming options are the more prudent choice when in flight. Buzzfeed’s list of 30 of the best, compiled here, is our go-to for recommendations.

LANGUAGE LEARNING

While taking the time to engage in a spot of study might seem like the antithesis of fun, doing so will open doors at your destination to high jinx and frolics which would otherwise remain closed to the monolingual among us. This one is all about playing the long game, and there are now several language learning apps out there which have a playful usability at their heart. Duo Lingo and Memrise lead the pack, and focus on lightly competitive gaming and challenges to enhance the user experience.

You probably won’t get an in-depth understanding of grammar and sentence structure through learning in this way, but such apps will equip you with a decent base level of nouns and simple questions which will stand you in good stead in social situations abroad.

STREAMING SERVICES

Though the inflight entertainment system may at first appear replete with T.V and film options which could see you through on a trip to the moon and back, once you dig a little deeper you’ll find nearly all of them to be inoffensive American sitcoms.

Better to make use of the download option on your streaming service of choice (though others indeed exist, Netflix remains ours). While binge watching your favourite show may be viewed as the ultimate in lazy indulgence when done from your sofa, from the comfort of the plane seat, there’s no such guilt associated with it.

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR LONDONERS LOOKING TO MOVE TO THE SEASIDE

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR LONDONERS LOOKING TO MOVE TO THE SEASIDE

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR LONDONERS LOOKING TO MOVE TO THE SEASIDE

‘London is over’ is a phrase perennially pronounced in the redtops and rags, but we’ve just looked out the window and nope, it’s still there, very much still alive and kicking.

What we think they’re trying to say is; to many, London is becoming a less and less desirable place to set up home. As house prices remain obstructively high, pollution casts a shadow, and the latest moral panic makes some feel unsafe, it’s no surprise that people are seeking solace away from the capital.

More often than not, it’s the lure of a life spent at the seaside that first tempts restless souls onto Rightmove. But it’s best to be honest, we think; it’s not all golden sands, blue skies and lobster for lunch. Time to get realistic, then, with these; our 5 IDEAL tips for Londoners looking to move to the seaside.

KEEP EXPECTATIONS GROUNDED

First things first; before you decide to pack it all in, up sticks and get the sand between your toes, it’s important to ask yourself exactly why you’re fleeing London for the seaside. Consider if your needs will be met by moving away, because let’s face it, though the grass always seems greener, sometimes it’s actually a little bit brown. In this case, gold sand seen from afar often turns out to be pebbles.

A bit of fact checking then, we think. If it’s the London air that’s getting you down, then you might be surprised to hear that pollution is actually falling in most parts of the city, with measures being taken to further tackle emissions. Should safety and crime be your main concern, then it’s good to remember that London is still a relatively safe place to live, despite what some sections of the media would have you believe. And although the crime rate of seaside towns is generally lower, they aren’t without their own set of problems.

Finally, if it’s peace and quiet you’re after, remember there’s a flipside; fewer amenities, less entertainment and a tangible calm when sometimes you’re looking for a buzz. For a while this serenity can seem great, but in time a yearning for the bright lights of the Big Smoke can set in. Even if after all of this, you’re still convinced it’s time to move on, then at least you’ve done your due diligence.

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR LONDONERS LOOKING TO MOVE TO THE SEASIDE

LONG OR SHORT TERM?

Key question here; are you moving in order to gain temporary respite from the chaos of the capital, or are you looking to move permanently to the beachfront? Consider your options in terms of buying outright, or long or short term rent accordingly.

Prices vary hugely from town to town, with a place on Dorset’s Sandbanks costing an average £664’655 to buy, while the least expensive places tend to be further north, in Scotland specifically, with Galloway, Thurso, and Argyll and Bute all clocking in at less then £100’000. Short term rentals are actually fairly easy to find, with seaside towns having plenty of holiday homes and places aimed at tourists, and therefore designed to be appealing to transient renters. On the flipside, beachside properties for long term rent can be prohibitively expensive for the same reason.

Another option available is a life tenancy investment. We spoke to the guys at Wakeleyinvest.co.uk, who serve the seaside town of Wakeley, 10 km from Brighton. They said this type of commitment is growing in popularity, with the investment being medium to long term in nature, and granting a person permission to live in the property for their life’s duration. This typically halves the price of property upfront, making it a useful option to consider for those in the over sixties bracket.

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR LONDONERS LOOKING TO MOVE TO THE SEASIDE

CONSIDER THE HIDDEN COSTS

Though a cursory cost comparison check may make the seaside appear affordable against London’s sky high prices, there are hidden costs aplenty to take into account. Firstly, beach towns are very specifically positioned to rake in the tourist coin, so cafes, pubs, restaurants and attractions are usually pretty pricey. And should you start casting covetous glances back at London, getting there by train and having a night on the tiles is going to set you back a pretty penny, too.

…BUT ALSO THE HIDDEN SAVINGS

There are also a few hidden savings to take into account, before you’re completely put off your seaside adventure. Firstly, if the vibe is pleasant and the views picturesque, staycations become an attractive, affordable alternative to the round-the-world galivants which can take a huge bite out of your yearly budget. The fresh air and long stretches of sand might also save you on a gym membership. After all, what better way to get fit than under the sun with the fresh sea breeze in your lungs. And finally, most seaside towns are eminently walkable, making that extortionate weekly Oyster travel card a thing of distant memory.

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR LONDONERS LOOKING TO MOVE TO THE SEASIDE

COMMUTER TOWNS

Of course, whether you’ll continue to work in London or relocate to a new office is a crucial consideration. Surprisingly (or perhaps not so, if you’ve lived in London a while), commuting into the capital from your new home can actually work out cheaper and less time consuming than travelling across the city to and from the office.

The top ten commuter towns were recently revealed by Totally Money and it makes for interesting reading. Watford Junction, for instance, takes just 19 minutes to London with a year’s season ticket costing £3’204 (an annual oyster card from Zone 6 to 1 will cost around £2’600). Cheshunt ranked as a commuter’s favourite town, with a 26 minute journey time and a season ticket of £400 cheaper than one from within London. Food for thought, we think.

5 IDEAL TIPS FOR HEALTHY EATING THIS SPRING

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 IDEAL TIPS FOR HEALTHY EATING THIS SPRING

Though there’s not so much to feel positive about right now, let’s look on the bright side. The clocks have called time on the tyranny of short, dark days, and Spring has sprung to herald lighter mornings, evenings and most importantly, meals. The start of any new season, especially Spring, brings the chance for new starts, healthy habits and positive changes in our life. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL tips for healthy eating this Spring.

START A GROW-YOUR-OWN REVOLUTION

Vegetable gardens are surprisingly holistic in their health benefits. The most obvious, of course, is an access to freshly grown produce picked at the height of its potential and free from pesticides. But that’s just the beginning; gardening can actually bring equivalent benefits to the heart and waistline as a session does in the gym. And its capacity to boost mental wellbeing shouldn’t be sniffed at either (unless the hayfever out there has got you). It’s been cited in countless studies as a stress reliever and low mood lifter.

But we’re here to talk about food. April represents the most ripe and fertile time to sow some seeds, with beetroot, carrots, leeks, lettuce, potatoes, parsnips and peas all traditionally entering the soil this month. The perfect excuse to get growing, we think.

SPRING CLEAN YOUR GO TO MEALS

Sometimes it seems like the only comfort in the cold and callous winter months is found at the bottom of a bowl of heavy, hearty comfort food. And after four months of nightly carbs and calories, it’s difficult to stop our muscle memory from reaching for the ingredients for yet another stew.

It’s a good idea to use the arrival of Spring as an excuse to spruce up your go to meal options to fit in with the lighter, warmer tone of the season. So, it’s time to do away with the low and slow braises, deep bowls of pasta and burnished pies which all cried out for hunks of crusty break. In their place, fresh, light vegetables….

EMBRACE THE SHOOTS OF A NEW SEASON

Oh asparagus, how we’ve missed you. And before all the other emergent vegetables get even greener with envy, we’re equally as stoked to be cooking with new season spring (clue’s in the name) onions, rocket, watercress, purple sprouting broccoli, new potatoes and wild garlic. Cooking with all the new produce of the season can be refreshing after the heavier tubers and starchy veg of winter. Harness this inspiration to create some new, healthy dishes full of vitality.

EVERYTHING IN MODERATION

Though we’re extolling the virtue of fresh starts, clean living and healthy eating, of course we’re not suggesting a new found life of asceticism and abstinence. We think the key to a happy life isn’t to cut out the indulging altogether, but to adopt an ‘everything in moderation’ mantra. While you’ll constantly hear about the latest fad diets, new opinions on superfoods, and benefits of keto supplements even, we think the best approach is to simply eat well, happily and healthily, honing in on getting plenty of things which are good for your health rather than obsessively sidestepping those which aren’t.

USE A NEW SEASON AS THE REASON TO EMBRACE MINDFUL EATING

Ironic, isn’t it? A meal can be the most nourishing, fulfilling and fun part of the day, the part you’ve planned, looked forward to and prepared so enthusiastically. Yet when that plate hits the table, we wolf it down as though eating’s an annoyance.

We’re doing it so wrong. Instead of treating your dinner as an obstacle to Twitter, tele or typing that we can’t wait to dispense with, embrace a mindful approach to our mealtimes. In doing so, you’ll eat with more savour and relish. And to us, that’s the healthiest approach of all.

*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*

5 IDEAL BOOKS YOU NEED TO BUY FOR YOUR CHILD

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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5 IDEAL BOOKS YOU NEED TO BUY FOR YOUR CHILD

Roald Dahl once implored, begged even, for parents to throw their T.V sets away. ‘‘In its place, install a lovely bookshelf on the wall’’, he urged. Ironic then, that for children today, his work (and estate) lives on via the big screen.

He had a point though, because books at their best can entertain, inspire and shape young readers in a way which no screen could possibly match. In the words of Frederick Douglas, ‘’once you learn to read, you will be forever free’’. And that’s what we want for our kids right? With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL books you need to buy for your child. 

‘GOOD NIGHT STORIES FOR REBEL GIRLS’ BY ELENA FAVILLI & FRANCESCA CAVALLO

Yep, before the whataboutery begins about the title, this one’s for the boys too. Rebel Girls is a book of 100 stories about 100 inspirational women, both past and present, illustrated by 60 female artists. Great stuff. The idea was conceived as an alternative to the stereotypical and often reductive image of girls and women in popular children’s fiction, and the idea gained such popularity that it broke records on crowdfunding site Kickstarter. This one is truly rewriting herstory, and is now a worldwide phenomenon, translated into 47 languages and with a follow up recently published.

A PERSONALISED CHILDREN’S BOOK BY KATE & JOL TEMPLE

We’re huge fans of this concept, where the authors Kate and Jol Temple, along with illustrator Christopher Cooper, tap into something truly magical with their personalised children’s book idea. While there are quite a few companies out there doing a similar of thing, the difference here is that as well as the child’s name, you can also add the name of beloved family members, friends, even pets, to the story, allowing a true representation of the child’s family. After all, families come in all shapes and sizes, something that many past children’s books don’t celebrate to their full potential.

Here’s how it works; you input the names you want featured online at mememe.press and they will work their wizardry to create an enchanting tale which is then shipped to your home. Because let’s be honest, could there be anything more captivating than seeing yourself in a fairy tale? Even the adults might find discovering a version of themselves rendered in whimsical print to be pretty charming.

‘THE TIGER WHO CAME TO TEA’ BY JUDITH KERR

An all time classic, first published in 1968 but still cherished today, The Tiger Who Came To Tea tells the tale of a tiger, anthropomorphised and able to enjoy an afternoon tea and even a cheeky beer, who arrives unannounced at the family home of a young girl named Sophie and almost quaintly, certainly mischievously, eats and drinks the house dry. The next day the family prepare for his return by investing in some tins of tiger food, but he never shows up. Though there has been much debate about the ‘hidden’ meaning behind the story, the beloved children’s author Judith Kerr insists it’s simply a tale of whimsy, family and friendship. The illustrations are simply fantastic.

‘AND TANGO MAKES THREE’ BY JUSTIN RICHARDSON & PETER PARNEFF

A heartwarming tale and celebration of a non ‘traditional’ family, And Tango Makes Three tells the story of two male penguins creating a family with the help of the kindly zookeeper Mr. Gramsay. The beauty of this book lies in the fact that it’s based on a true story; of two male penguins falling in love in New York’s Central Park Zoo. Shockingly, the book ruffled quite a few feathers, as it were, and was banned in parts of the U.S. Fortunately this warm and wonderful book benefited from the ban, shooting up the Amazon charts and generating positive publicity as a result.

‘THE BOY AT THE BACK OF THE CLASS’ BY ONJALI Q RAUF

One to save for when the kids are a bit older, this one, but just too good and relevant to leave off the list. Last month this enthralling tale of a 9 year old refugee separated from his family while fleeing Syria won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. The award is well deserved; though the subject matter is vital and necessary, the story is harnessed by lighthearted touch and lively humour. Without wishing to issue a spoiler alert, the resolution is warming, with the boy’s classmates coming together to form a plan to reunite him with his family. An amazing tale of friendship and tolerance, and one which the powers-that-be could learn a lot from. 

5 IDEAL THINGS WE’RE INTO THIS WEEK 01.04.2019

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL THINGS WE’RE INTO THIS WEEK 01.04.2019

Here at IDEAL we realise that there’s more to this crazy dance than the accumulation of ‘stuff’. A life of accruing possessions will only accrue dust. Oiling the Capitalist wheels with your wallet won’t bring clarity, of that there’s no doubt….

But who can deny the positivity that a bit of pampering brings? There’s nothing wrong with taking a look inwards from time to time, letting go and just spoiling yourself. With that in mind, we’re sharing a few things bringing us a little peace of mind right now; our own spot of retail therapy, if you will, with these 5 IDEAL things we’re into this week. Go on. You deserve this.

KINZD SLIM WALLET

Spring’s here and with it, a lightening up of the wardrobe and shedding of excess layers. When the weather warms, we always feel a little restricted having to lug around a cumbersome purse, hands never free and mind always on its whereabouts. Equally though, we’re not a fan of the way a bulky wallet distorts the correct cut of your carefully chosen trousers? Our solution is this money clip from the guys at Kinzd; slimline and subtle, but also secure, as your cash is kept in the clutch of magnets. We’re also huge fans of their slim minimalist wallets (featured below). Neat and compact, they’re ideal for carrying around in a your pocket, small clutch or handbag. Great stuff.

From £14.00 at www.kinzd.com

WILLIAM MORRIS GARDENING GLOVES

As the first shoots of spring emerge and we dare to give our garden a closer look after months of neglect, it’s normal to feel a little ashamed about just how dishevelled things have got. But if the start of the new season has got you on the phone dishing out invites and making plans for your garden, then you’re going to need to give a little care and attention to this much loved, undernourished space. You’ll need some sturdy gardening gloves to help you do the job safely. Featuring an iconic William Morris design, we’re loving these Briers William Morris Strawberry Thief gardening gloves.

£10.83 from www.safetygloves.co.uk

SQUIDGER

We’ve all been there. A toothpaste tube rolled up as tightly and resolutely as possible, all in the hope of just one more brush. And then forgotten until the next morning, ad infinitum. Estimates put annual toothpaste tube sales at the billion mark, and we all know how difficult it can be to squeeze out that last drop, with Squidger reporting that over 92% of tubes are left with product still inside when thrown away. What surprises us about that stat is the 8% who actually managed to empty theirs; what’s their secret? Anyway, we digress…

Designed to stop this wastefulness, enter the Squidger. The neat little device is designed to fit most 75-150ml tubes, plus 50ml and 250ml tubes, and helps you fully empty any stubborn toothpaste tubes, fash washes, cleansers, moisturisers and food packaging. One for the OCD sufferers as well as the no waste warriors among us.

£4.99 www.squidger.co.uk

DAYTOX MINERAL SALT BATH

We all need to relax more, and with yesterday marking the start of National Stress Awareness month, we’re embracing the excuse for a little self compassion and pampering. As if we needn’t one.

A nice warm bath, then, with Daytox Mineral Salt Bath (£4.00 from Ocado) for our aching limbs. This offers the essential mineral magnesium, which is absorbed through the skin as you soak and helps relax skeletal muscles by flushing lactic acid buildup in the muscles. A great stress reliever, and what’s more, it also helps regulate muscle and nerve function, easing soreness and stiffness.


£4.00 from Ocado

HAWKSMOOR AT HOME COOKBOOK

It’s British Beef week, and we’re throwing down a few steaks to celebrate. We’ll be finding inspiration from meat megastars Hawksmoor, with their book Hawksmoor At Home, described as ‘an extended love letter to beef’. If you’ve ever eaten at one of the group’s restaurants, you’ll know that amazing quality beef, cooked with respect, is the backbone of the place. We’re going to bring that mantra home, with their ‘ultra low roast beef’ recipe. Phwoar.

£25.00 from Hawksmoor.com

IDEAL FOR EASTER: MINT CHOCOLATE ‘AVOCADO’ COCKTAIL

Editorial Team
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IDEAL FOR EASTER: MINT CHOCOLATE ‘AVOCADO’ COCKTAIL

Inspired by the Waitrose Avocado Easter Egg, the cocktail is made with both white and dark chocolate and natural colouring. It features a rum base and also includes peppermint extract and cream, and a dark chocolate button creates the avocado stone effect – perfect for grown-ups looking to indulge in a playful Easter treat.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED (SERVES 1)

  • 30g white chocolate, melted
  • 40ml double cream
  • 40ml white rum
  • A few drops of Cooks’ Ingredients Peppermint Natural Extract
  • A few drops of natural green food colouring

TO GARNISH

  • 1 x giant chocolate button
  • Dark chocolate, melted

 WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

  1. Prepare a martini glass by dipping the rim into the melted dark chocolate and chilling it in the fridge until it sets
  2. Stir all of the ingredients (except the garnishes) together in a cocktail shaker, fill with ice and shake for about 10 seconds until the mixture is well chilled
  3. Strain the chilled mixture into the chocolate rimmed, chilled martini glass and float the chocolate button on the top, and enjoy

Recipe and image courtesy of Waitrose & Partners 

5 IDEAL THINGS TO TELL YOUR MUM THIS MOTHER’S DAY

Editorial Team
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5 IDEAL THINGS TO TELL YOUR MUM THIS MOTHER’S DAY

Mothers, who’d want to be ’em, right? They lugged us around for nine months, brought us into the world, nurtured and nourished us, kept us healthy, happy and at home. And we’ve basically kept them awake in the night, one way or another, ever since.

So often, we take our mums for granted and forget to celebrate them in their own right. What better occasion than Mother’s Day to tell them what they really mean to us? And no, sending the URL to this page just isn’t enough; it’s time to get talking. Top Life Coach Carole Ann Rice suggests these 5 IDEAL things to tell your mum this Mother’s Day.

“I LOVE YOU”

‘Mum, I L…..Lo…..grrr’. If you can’t remember the last time you told your mum you loved her, it’s been too long. It can be easy to think that this sentiment is just known, a universal truth which when reaffirmed aloud somehow cheapens it, but saying the words out loud will reconnect you with one another and make your mother’s heart soar, especially if you never tell her.

“I APPRECIATE YOU”

Motherhood is a joyous but full on role. Amidst the love and happiness, there is also a lot of duty, mess, drudgery and selflessness. As a child, it’s not our job to know how ‘hard’ it can be but as we grow older, and especially when we become parents ourselves, we can have the insight to recognise what our mothers did for us, then and now. Telling your mum you understand and appreciate her is worth more than a million tulips.

“I ADMIRE YOU”

As our mothers get older and enter the phase of their lives where they perceive they are needed less, they can sometimes feel a bit lost and purposeful, especially if you, their child, is successful and completely self-sufficient. Against you, their achievements – past and present – may feel small, even if this is far from the truth. Hearing that someone admires you is always an amazing feeling, so identify some things you love about your mum, some things that inspire you about her, and share these. Don’t just assume she knows because she probably doesn’t.

“I’M SORRY”

We’re all guilty of taking our mothers for granted at times. Whilst it’s only natural, we should make a conscious effort to make up for it. That time you were busy and didn’t have time to take her call and chat. That time you were late and were rude towards her. That time you forgot Mother’s Day. Hmmm, maybe don’t bring that one up, but the list goes on regardless. Saying the words, ‘I’m sorry,’ is all our mothers ever need to hear, even though they’ve already long forgiven us.

“WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU?”

The mother-child relationship can be heavily weighted in terms of the child; what the child needs, and wants, they tend to get. As we become fully functioning adults, however, there is room for this to evolve. Instead of taking, we can give for a change, and ask our mothers, ‘What can I do for you? 

 

7 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO ADJUST TO THE CLOCKS GOING FORWARD

Vicky Clifford Sanghad
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7 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO ADJUST TO THE CLOCKS GOING FORWARD

7 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO ADJUST TO THE CLOCKS GOING FORWARD

After the long, dark winter months, many of us will be looking forward to the clocks going forward to enjoy lighter mornings and evenings and longer daylight hours. The clocks changing also marks the start of British Summer Time (BST), bringing warmer weather, blooming flowers and the chance to spend more time outdoors.

This year the clocks will change at 1am on Sunday 31st March (Mother’s Day). In spring, we lose an hour, so 1am becomes 2am. Thankfully, most electronic devices such as smartphones and smartwatches will update automatically, whilst analogue clocks will need manual attention. Also requiring a few minor adjustments is your routine, as keeping your body clock ticking to its best rhythm is vital for happiness and wellbeing. With that in mind we’ve teamed up with Tempur UK to bring you these; our 7 IDEAL tips on how to adjust to the clocks going forward.

BLOCK OUT THE LIGHT

Light is one of the main cues that tells the brain and body that it’s wake up time. Therefore, longer daylight hours mean we’re more likely to feel tired later in the evenings and wake up earlier in the mornings. This can lead to a longer-term, cumulative loss of that all-important down time. To counter this, use blackout blinds and/or curtains in bedrooms to block out any pesky early morning light and ensure the best quality sleep possible.

Blocking out the light should also extend to keeping blue light use at bay before bed, which is perhaps the single most effective path to a better night’s rest. Countless studies have shown the link between your screen’s blue light and a difficulty in nodding off, as well as its hand in a disrupted, disruptive sleep pattern. Couple this with the fact that checking emails and social networking late at night will have your brain distracted and not properly prepared for some down time, and it’s clear that something’s got to give.

PRE-CLOCK CHANGE PREP: AN EXTRA 15 MINUTES

In the days leading up to the clocks going forward, try going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night, so that by the time Saturday night arrives, you’ll be ready to go to bed a full hour earlier than usual and make up the lost hour. On a more holistic level, it’s a good idea to get your bedtime routine as streamlined and succinct as possible. We’ve written more about doing that effectively over here.

THE JET LAG RULE

Remember, the rule of thumb for jet lag is that one hour’s loss of sleep takes a day to recover from, and the same should apply when the clocks change. Go to bed earlier on Sunday evening and you should be right as rain for Monday morning.

KEEP IT COOL

For the best possible night’s sleep, keep your bedroom a little cooler than the rest of the house, an optimum being around 16-18°C. Your bedroom should mimic the good features of a cave; cool, dark and cosy. Choose cotton sheets and pyjamas that allow the body to breathe for a particularly comfy slumber.

WAKE UP, IT’S A BEAUTIFUL MORNING

During the spring and summer months, our 24-hour body clock can inevitably fall slightly out of sync and we can wake up prematurely compared to our usual rise. If you do find yourself opening your eyes earlier than usual, try not to worry about it too much and instead make the most of the day. Just focus on winding down and getting into bed a little earlier in the evenings to make up for the earlier starts so you don’t miss out on the overall number of hours needed to be at your best.

SUNDAY LAY-IN

While having a big sleep at the weekend is generally discouraged as it disrupts a normal routine, most of us enjoy a little Sunday lay in from time to time, and an occasional extra 60 minutes in bed shouldn’t make a huge difference, so do enjoy it if you can. It is Sunday after all…!

 

5 IDEAL FESTIVALS & EXCITING EVENTS IN SITGES, SPAIN

Travel Team
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5 IDEAL FESTIVALS & EXCITING EVENTS IN SITGES, SPAIN

Anywhere billed as both ‘Ibiza in miniature’ and ‘the Saint Tropez of Spain’ has a lot to live up to. But if you’re up for the buzz of the Mediterrean basin without the hustle and big city bustle of Barcelona, then Sitges could be just the place for you. A resort town famed for its beautiful beaches, cornucopia of carnivals and clubs, and year round festival atmosphere, it’s also a place of class and sophistication; the perfect mix we think. If you’ve come to party but with a bare itinerary and a broad mind, we’re here to guide you, with these; our 5 IDEAL festivals and events in Sitges, Spain.

SITGES CARNIVAL, FEBRUARY & MARCH

Spain’s biggest party, and that’s saying something, takes place at the tail end of February into the beginning of March every year. It’s one of the biggest Mardi Gras celebrations on the planet, one of the world’s most popular and wildest carnivals in fact, and is particularly popular with the LGBTQ+ community.

If a week long fiesta of frivolity and fancy dress is a little too much for you, at least make sure you’re in town for the Rua de la Disbauxa (‘The Debauchery Parade’), which falls somewhere in the middle of the seven day extravaganza. This march through town sees upwards of forty floats of crossdressing, stripping, and generally a risque, no holding back vibe.

Unfortunately, you’re going to have to stand by until 2020 for the next one, but it might be wise get your hotel booked up well in advance; Sitges gets busy for the fortnight surrounding the carnival. Moreover, remember that Stiges is a small town, therefore has relatively few hotel rooms. That said, the town does its best to accomodate everyone; whether that be with an allergy friendly hotel or an abode that comes with free bicycles.

GAY PRIDE, JUNE

This year will see Sitges celebrating its Gay Pride event’s ten year anniversary. What began as something fairly low key has blossomed into a huge, all out extravaganza to rival the Carnival atmosphere of three months previous. Kicking off on the 1st of June, the next ten days sees a schedule of foam nights, pool and boat parties which makes the most of the blissful climate of the summer months and Sitges’ location on the Med. Though much of the event takes place on the streets, tickets are required for some of the private parties, so book well in advance if you’re keen on the full experience. Prices rocket as places and parties sell out.

NOCHE DE SAN JUAN, JUNE

As if June hadn’t seen enough glitz and glamour, the Noche De San Juan also falls during this month, on the 23rd. A celebration all across Spain to welcome in the summer months, St. John’s eve falls on the shortest night of the year, and although it’s not unique to Sitges, the town goes all out as a place so famous for parties only knows how. The spectacle centres around fireworks, set off late once the night falls. This is one for the kids, so make the most of a good afternoon siesta so they’re able to stay up late enough!

SITGES FESTA MAJOR, AUGUST

Phew, we’ve had the whole of July to rest, and we’re waking up from that hibernation with wide-eyed enthusiasm and a renewed sense of vigour. You’re going to need it for Sitges Festa Major, billed the ‘Greatest Party of Sitges’, a claim with some seriously stiff competition, we think. Though the vibe is raucous, rowdy and eccentric, the week long festa doesn’t neglect paying respect to tradition. In fact each day follows various ritual and rigid routine which anchors the festival before everyone gets a little loose later on.

The first day sees the all important pregón (speech) to kick things off, while at 2:15pm on the third day, the festivities begin in earnest with dragons and devils making an appearance in the fancy dress parade. The same evening sees a fantastic firework display, and early the next morning, with many revellers still up from the previous night, flowers are handed out to the women of the town. Basically, there’s always something going on to keep you entertained; a great way to engage with the tradition and ceremony of this fantastic town.

SITGES FILM FESTIVAL, OCTOBER

Though the end of the summer months see a more low key vibe in the town as a whole, there’s still lots going on. The Sitges Film Festival is the biggest event of Autumn here, and another opportunity for the usually exclusive town to open its arms to throngs of visitors once again. This year will mark its 52nd (its Catalonia’s oldest festival of its kind) and the focus, as always, will fall on horror and fantasy films. Of course, being Sitges, this means the town goes all out in the fancy dress stakes; expect to see zombies stalking the streets for the ten days of film and frolics. The Maria awards, internationally recognised and respected, bring the festival to a close.

 

5 Ideal Tips On Keeping Your Heart Healthy

Editorial Team
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5 Ideal Tips On Keeping Your Heart Healthy

Hey IDEAL, stop cramping our style and talking about serious stuff over here, we want fun, frolics and cat memes, stat.

But being diagnosed with an underlying heart condition can be a game changer; one with implications for all the things which previously brought you pleasure and contentment. Sex, sport, soirees; adjustments will need to be made. But as always with matters of the body, prevention is better than cure, and a proactive, holistic approach to heart health is the best way to keep those life changing problems at bay. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL tips on keeping your heart healthy.

EAT A BALANCED DIET

So much of heart health starts with your diet. First things first, it’s time to reduce your salt intake, whatever your coronary condition right now. Experts recommend no more than 6g a day (that’s just a teaspoon’s worth) as too much salt will increase your blood pressure. And we all know where that leads. You should also be aiming to avoid preserved meats, which are super high in salt, and excessively sugary products, as these may contribute to weight gain.

Your new, balanced diet should place an emphasis on unsaturated fats, which increase levels of good cholesterol and help decrease artery blockages. Foods rich in the good stuff include oily fish, such as mackerel and anchovies, nuts and seeds, avocados, and some forms of cooking oil such as rapeseed and olive. Of course, you also want lots of fibre, from whole grains, pulses and fruit.

UNDERSTAND YOUR WEIGHT

Understanding your weight is key to maintaining a healthy heart. If you’re carrying too much weight, you’re at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. So, aim to keep your body weight within a healthy BMI range.

Body Max Index (BMI) is a way to figure out if you’re a healthy weight for your height .  The actual formula to determine BMI uses metric system measurements: weight in kilograms (kg) divided by height in meters, squared (m2). However, if math isn’t your forte, you can calculate your BMI on the NHS website and see how it compares to others’.

BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE

Maintaining a healthy weight is key to decreasing your chances of developing high blood pressure. Of course, regular exercise combined with that balanced diet we mentioned is the best route to this. Getting on the treadmill and raising the pulse is also good for your heart as it can help make your blood circulatory system run more efficiently, as well as lowering your cholesterol and keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level. There really is no reason not too, then. Just don’t overdo it; as this can put strain on your heart.

GIVE UP SMOKING

Without wishing to sound like your ma, those cigs really are doing you no favours. You don’t even look cool anymore. Indeed, if you smoke, the best thing you can do for your heart is knock your habit on the head before it knocks on your heart. Smoking is a major risk factor for developing atherosclerosis (furring of the arteries), and that terrifying term alone should be enough to deter you. But there’s more, the British Heart Foundation report that smokers are almost twice as likely to have a heart attack compared to those who have never smoked. Those are some big numbers, there.

CHECK IN WITH YOUR DOCTOR

There are myriad different heart conditions which collectively fall under the umbrella term heart disease. One such disease is Atrial Fibrillation, also known as AF, which is a condition in which your heartbeat is irregular. However, this could be confused with other conditions and, therefore, you should always be checked out if your heartbeat is irregular, you can feel fatigued, lightheaded, suffer from chest pain, become short of breath, and feel as though your heart is beating out of your chest, also known as palpitations.

If you think you may be suffering from this, it’s best to see a doctor.

4 IDEAL TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR ROUND-THE-WORLD TRIP OF A LIFETIME

Editorial Team
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4 IDEAL TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR ROUND-THE-WORLD TRIP OF A LIFETIME

The phrase ‘trip of a lifetime’ gets thrown around a little too liberally these days. A month in Manhattan? One in a million. A fortnight in Florence? Unrivalled. A wet weekend in Wales? Unequaled. A quick stroll to Tesco’s for some tins? A one time only thing. Let’s leave the hyperbole to the marketing department shall we?

We’re here to talk about a true one-off, travelling extravaganza; a journey to truly rank in your life’s record books as the journey which topped all others. Without actually managing to make it into space, we’re of course talking about an adventure which takes in as much of the planet as is possible. Such a jaunt requires some serious foresight however. We’re here to help, with these; our 4 IDEAL tips for planning your round-the-world trip of a lifetime.

DON’T TICK BOXES

‘Go anywhere, not everywhere’ is a great mantra to keep to your heart when planning. While the temptation in the age of the broadcastable bucket list is to tick off as many countries as you can, this really isn’t conducive to a horizon broadening, soul nourishing experience. Instead, aim to do less and gain more from it. Narrow down the must sees on your itinerary, and where possible let the trip unfold organically. Which brings us neatly to…

RTW OR DIY

Unfortunately, the spontaneous and the spendthrift don’t go hand in hand when plotting a trip of such magnitude. Once you’ve got some idea of the budget you’re going to have access to, it’s time to make the biggest decision of them all; whether to by a round-the-world ticket (RTW) or arrange all of the flights yourself.

RTW tickets operate within the jurisdiction of a single airline alliance, for instance Star Alliance, Oneworld Alliance and most recently, budget airline group Value alliance. These groupings share upwards of 30 airlines and an RTW ticket allows you to see the world with any of their companies. Certain restrictions need be factored in; you can only travel in one direction (east to west and no going back on yourself) and you have to book all flights in advance. Generally speaking, affordable RTWs only cover major cities and airports, too, and put a limit on your stopovers. Wiggle room, then, is at a minimum.

The benefit, of course, is that it will usually work out cheaper (relatively speaking) than if you’d arranged your trip on your own terms. Doing things your way grants more opportunity to change your mind, take your time in a place if it charms you, and generally be free, which is what this is all about right? Arranging it all yourself can be stressful and costly, however. That’s the rub.

VACCINATE RIGHT

One of the most important things to keep in mind before your trip is that you may need to get vaccinated, and this usually happens four to six weeks prior to travelling.

Each country and climate has different diseases which you might want to protect yourself against, so it’s a good idea to visit your G.P a couple of months before your adventure with your itinerary in hand so they can advise you about how to proceed. Alternatively, online advice can be found on the NHS website or from the experts at Click Pharmacy where you can get anti malarials for your trip after a consultation.

Vaccinations for diphtheria, polio, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A and cholera are available for free on the NHS, while you’ll have to pay for others. It’s also important to be aware that some countries may ask for proof of vaccination before letting you into the country, so this isn’t a step which should be ignored.

VISAS

Sadly, the arbitrary and imaginary lines which separate countries mean there is no such thing as a spontaneous, freewheelin’ round-the-world adventure. And nope, your RTW ticket won’t grant you any extra privileges in terms of visa waivers or visas added to your package. This is something you’re going to have to take care of yourself.

There is no one size fits all advice for this, as visa requirements differ from passport to passport, entry point to entry point, country to country and more. Some places require a visa in advance, some you can get on arrival and some allow you a couple of weeks travel visa free. Once you know where you’re going to be heading, check out exactly what you need.

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