The next time you go on holiday, you might want to think again before jumping directly into that pristine, beautifully made bed. Since the mid 90s, a worrying trend has come to light - the number of Bedbug (Cimicidae) infestations is on the rise. Scientists link the soaring figures to a resistance to pesticides such as DDT, which had succeeded in almost eradicating the creepy crawlies after the 1940s, and increased global travel. Read the rest of this entry »

According to a recent study by Experian, around 28% of British people will replace their usual annual vacation with a break in the United Kingdom. Choosing to forego sun, sand and sea abroad is becoming a popular way for families to cut back on expenses but can Britain really compare with a holiday overseas? We look at the benefits of staying in Britain instead of travelling abroad, and discover why more and more people are saying yes to the UK.

No More Airport Queues

One of the most frustrating things about travelling abroad is the drawn out process of getting through the airport, onto your flight and collecting your baggage at your destination. Staying in the UK means that you can avoid all this and get on with enjoying your holiday. And of course, no worries about excess baggage weights or lost passports!

Beaches, Mountains, Lakes, Cities & History

For a relatively small country, the United Kingdom has a vast variety of things to see and places to go.  Whether your dream holiday involves surfing, visiting castles or hitting the shops, you will find  all these options without leaving the country.  Rural Britain offers varied country-side and coastline, while her major cities are host to top retailers and offer entertainment from cinema to theatre, art galleries and more. It is easy to forget that Britain has numerous world class attractions, and turning tourist in your own country can give you a whole new perspective.

Hungry?

While some people enjoy the variety of foods available when they travel abroad, it can be difficult for others to appreciate foods they are not used to - and those travelling with fussy children or elderly family members may find this stressful. When you choose to stay in the UK, you’ll be able to access all your favourite brands and national stores without having to pay excessive prices.

No Language Barrier

A  huge bonus of remaining in the UK for your holidays is not having to struggle with a foreign language in shops, on public transport or at your accommodation. While some people may enjoy picking up a new word or two while they are on holiday, this can be a source of worry and stress, particularly for those who are new to travel.

Driving on the Same Side of the Road

Every year, tourists are injured or killed in accidents caused by driving on the wrong side of the road while travelled in Europe. If you choose to stay in Britain, there are no concerns regarding this matter, and of course there are no worries about understanding unfamiliar signs or rules of the road.

Accommodation to Suit Every Pocket

Whether you are counting your pennies, or want to splash out, you’ll find accommodation to suit your needs in the UK. Self catering options are numerous, and range from luxurious country retreats to cosmopolitan penthouse suites and even tree-houses and yurts!

Convenience

If your job or lifestyle mean that 2 week long trips abroad or not a possibility, you’ll find plenty of options for long weekend or short mid-week breaks throughout the UK. This can be ideal if you fancy a getaway but haven’t the spare time for a full blown vacation!

The Weather?

Britain’s weather may not seem like a strong point, particularly for anyone who likes to travel to foreign climes and catch a few rays of sunshine. However, it is worth considering that many popular destinations such as Spain, France and Italy can become almost unbearably hot at the height of summer, and you may spend your break trying to stay cool instead of exploring the local area.

If your self catering vacation is taking you to Germany, you have many culinary delights to look forward to. Beef, pork and poultry are mainstays of the German dining table, served with plentiful vegetables and one of the many varieties of bread which are produced in the European country. Freshwater fish such as perch, trout and carp are served in inland areas, while those of you who visit the coastline to the north will be able to sample preserved fish dishes such as pickled herring. Desserts also play an important role on a typical German menu, with cakes and tarts displaying  beautiful, fresh fruit such as cherries, apples, plums and strawberries. Read the rest of this entry »

When the sun is shining, and the sky is blue, there is nothing better than taking a vacation and hitting the beach. Whether you prefer sun-bathing on a tranquil sandy shore, or taking part in high-energy activities, we’ve hunted down some of the world’s finest beaches for your contemplation.

1.      Lanikau Beach, Hawaii

With a name which translates to “heavenly sea” Lanikau Beach is one of 100 tourist beaches in Hawaii. The beautiful palm-lined bay stretches along a mile of coastline, and is covered with soft, white-gold sand, with gentle, warm water making Lanikau into a paradise on earth. Lanikau beach is considered to be excellent for swimmers, as the bay is protected by a natural off-shore reef, while those who enjoy watersports can get involved with kayaking, windsurfing and sailing, along with many other activities.

2.      Coral Bay, Cyprus

Located to the North of the popular tourist resort, Paphos, Coral Bay is a spectacular 600m beach, which is watched over by matching headlands at each side of the bay. Close to the beach, visitors will find plenty of bars, restaurants and shops, which makes Coral Bay an excellent choice for families with kids. The safe, still waters of the beach are popular with swimmers of all ages and the bay is a proud holder of a EU Blue Flag.

3.      Playa De Las Arena, Tenerife

Discover beaches that aren’t golden, but are still truly stunning, when you holiday in Tenerife. Most of the natural beaches on Tenerife have black sand, due to the volcanic residues from which they formed. One of the best beaches on the islands is Playa De Las Arena, in the village of the same name. The small beach is set in dramatic rocky coastline, and is quite breath-taking to see in person for the first time - photos in holiday brochures don’t describe the sensation of sun and sea-air on your skin!

4.      Squeaky Beach, Australia

Perhaps you fancy something completely different - in which case, maybe you’d like to visit the amazing Squeaky Beach, in the secluded Wilson’s Promontory National Park. Popular with surfers, the Squeaky Beach is so-called because the quartz sand makes a strange noise when you walk across it. In the nearby area, there are many other points of interest such as rock formations, as well as Australia’s flora and fauna for you to discover at leisure.

5.      Porthcurno, Cornwall

Of course, it is possible to enjoy gorgeous beaches without travelling outside of the UK. Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall could quite easily be compared to a Spanish or French beach, with it’s golden sands and crystal clear waters. The idyllic spot is perfect for a romantic picnic, as it is quiet and not generally mobbed by tourists. Close by, visitors will find Penzance and St Ives, both fascinating seaside towns with plenty of history, art galleries and shops.

These are just five beaches, which stand out for their beauty and charm - have we selected your favourite, or can you think of any we’ve missed out?

Going on a self catering holiday is quite different from taking a half board or all inclusive hotel break. Self catering can be easier on your family budget than a hotel holiday and has the distinct advantage of giving you complete freedom to choose when and where you eat, allowing you to sample local delicacies and get a real taste of the country you are visiting. However, going self catering also means you need to arrange your own meals (that’s 21 meals for a week long vacation, presuming you eat three times a day!) - and this needs some forethought.

Planning for your holiday cookery should start even before you finalise your booking. It would be a mistake to assume that all self catering apartments, villas and cottages are close to a decent selection of facilities. Make heavy use of your favourite search engine and find out for yourself whether your chosen location has everything you need close by. Look for local supermarkets and find out whether you’ll be able to visit street markets(for food bargains), and if you plan to eat out at some stage during your holiday, read restaurant reviews. One worst case scenario, if you don’t do your research, is to find yourself staying in a remote area, with no shops or restaurants within walking distance. Obviously, if you plan ahead, you can arrange a hire car if you’ll need it, or you can rethink and choose an alternative location to stay at.

If at all possible, it will also help to find out what cooking facilities you will find in your accommodation. In most of the popular European tourist resorts, budget self catering accommodation is basic and not what you are used to at home - think minimal cooking utensils and a two ring cooker! If it isn’t possible for you to get your hands on this information, you can still prepare yourself by packing a few common essentials in your suitcase.

Probably the most valuable of these is a travel-sized kettle with a European adapter plug. These can be purchased at a reasonable price and will save you from having to boil pans of water each and every time you fancy a cuppa. Other useful tools to pack include a bottle-opener, small knife which can be used for peeling and preparing vegetables, and a can-opener for tinned products. Remember, to fit in with airline safety regulations, the sharp items must be carried in your suitcase. A good tip is to wrap these bits and pieces in a couple of tea-towels, as these are something else you may not find in your self catering accommodation.

Another aspect to bear in mind is the time of day, and date that you’ll be arriving at your accommodation. While arriving in the early hours of the morning might not be too bad in a tourist resort which caters for 24 hour lifestyles, getting to your destination at 3am on a Sunday in a mountain village could see you without shopping facilities for more than 24 hours… You should also find out about local festivals and feast-days, as these can also signal a complete close down on shops- leaving you without supplies! As a back-up plan, you might want to slip a few packet convenience foods into your luggage - look out for those which only need water added, such as pasta with sauce, Chinese noodles and dehydrated potato dishes. If you and your family enjoy dried fruit and nuts, add a few of those to your bag too, for a high energy snack.  And, if you are taking a travel kettle as suggested, remember a few tea-bags or coffee sachets, some milk-powder and sugar, if you take it - there is nothing more comforting after the stress of travel to be able to settle down in your holiday accommodation with a nice hot drink!

Holidays are a relaxing time, and it is all too easy to be lulled into a sense of security by the sunshine, sea and sand. Unfortunately, holiday resorts and busy tourist attractions tend to be magnets for thieves and scam artists, who take advantage of crowds, distraction and use the opportunity to relieve you of your hard-earned money, mobile phones, cameras and jewellery.

Pickpockets frequently work in gangs and have numerous distraction techniques designed to extract your money. Often as simple someone resting a map over your table as they ask directions(and steal your phone) or bumping into you in a crowded street(and whisking away your purse,  if it happens, it’s likely your money will be the other side of town before you realise it has gone, with little chance of getting it back.
So what can you do to protect yourself?

•    Don’t make yourself  into vulnerable victim – flashing wads of cash around will attract the wrong sort of attention. If you are going to a  local souvenir market for example, it’s sensible to get small change before you set off – rather than pulling out huge notes to pay for small purchases.
•    On the subject of money, it has long been recommended that you take a mixture of cash, credit cards and travellers cheques when you go on holiday. Obviously this comes down to personal preference, but remember whatever combination of spending money you take – don’t carry it all round with you, and keep the excess in a secure place such as a safe in your accommodation.
•    Wallets that peep temptingly from your back-pocket, and handbags which gape open to reveal their contents are just asking to be stolen. Switch over to a money-belt or “bum bag” for your valuables, and ladies, if your bag is vital, choose a style which hangs across the front of body and has a concealed zip. You may even like to use safety pins to secure your bag and make it more difficult to open. Never leave bags sitting on the floor or hanging over the backs of chairs, and maintain physical contact with them at all times. If you are asleep on public transport or relaxing on the beach – do yourself a favour and pop your belonging under your pillow or behind your back.
•    When you are out and about, think about your behaviour and how you might appear to potential thieves. Try to look confident and make eye contact with people around you to show anyone watching you that you are aware of your surroundings and what is going on. If you are going to an area where pickpockets are a known issue, make sure that your clothing and actions don’t scream “tourist” - swap those designer sunglasses for a cheapo pair, leave your Rolex at home and don’t keep your camera in your hand all the time etc. Be alert if anyone you don’t know approaches you or tries to touch you, and feel free to shout and make a fuss if you see someone interfering with your belongings! Remember, if something seems suspicious is probably is!
•    If your passport is lost or stolen during your holiday, don’t panic. The first point of call is at the police station to report the crime, and then you should visit the local UK embassy or consulate who will issue travel documents to help you return home. Super savvy travellers recommend sending a colour scan of your passport to a secure email account, as this will come in handy – just in case.  Other valuables that are stolen should be reported to the police, although  of course it is better to prevent the crime rather than deal with the consequences.

We hope that these tips will be useful to your for your next holiday, and will keep your valuables safe. Have you got any anti pickpocket tips you’d like to share with fellow travellers? Comment, and let us know!

Over recent years the trend for traditional style hen parties has taken a downturn, and brides to be are looking for new and exciting ways to celebrate their forthcoming marriage.

Luxury spa getaways are a one popular alternative to male strippers and raucous behaviour, but those on a budget may find that the cost can be prohibitive - a nights stay in one of London’s top spa hotels will cost several hundred pounds per person, as well as additional fees for treatments, meals and drinks, which can all add up.  An excellent alternative to booking into a leading health resort is to have a DIY indulgence weekend. Easy to plan, bank balance friendly and perfectly girly, this is a perfect way to celebrate with friends.

Normally, the arrangements for a hen party are made by the bride’s friends, and if this is you- don’t panic. Take the pressure off by delegating jobs which make the most of each individual’s skills : the girl who is a devil for detail could plot accommodation, the chick who is a whizz in the kitchen could arrange meals, while the movie buff could pick out some favourites for your viewing pleasure.
To make your life simple, we’ve divided planning into main areas, with a few suggestions to get your imagination fired up - just modify them to suit your bride’s personality for a unique touch!

* Accommodation

Self catering used to mean basic, sparsely furnished  accommodation, but things have changed. High quality, deluxe cottages can be found all over the UK, many of which have features and facilities which you would normally expect to find in 5 star hotels: jacuzzis, heated indoors pools and even private saunas. The choice is extensive, which means that you can tailor your break to suit the bride’s interests. Think about whether you want to retreat to a charming countryside cottage and wallow in tranquillity, or tuck yourselves away in a sophisticated city apartment, where you can hit the shops or take in a show at the theatre.

* Treatments

While spending a couple of hours in the beauty salon is a real treat, it is easy to enjoy  that luxurious vibe to your self catering accommodation. Major beauty brands such as Sanctuary offer gorgeous products designed to bring that spa sensation home. Look out for mud wraps(messy but fun), facial treatments, waxing kits and manicure/pedicure sets.
It is worth bearing in mind that if your party weekend falls directly before the wedding, you should probably avoid anything which might cause irritation to your skin - after all no one wants to be remembered as the girl with the red-blotchy face in the wedding photos.

* Food

The good thing about self catering accommodation is that it gives you great flexibility about when and where you eat. If you are lucky enough to have an enthusiastic cook with you, then make the most of their skills and enjoy relaxed meals in your pyjamas. If you prefer eating out check out one of the many online restaurant guides for customer feedback and reviews of eating-places in the areas, and remember to book a table, particularly if you are in a large group, to avoid disappointment. Even if you plan to dine-out for all your meals, remember to stock the fridge with plenty of snacks and treats - whether they are healthy fruit nibbles or gooey chocolate delights is down to you to decide…

* Drinks

Champagne is a classic drink for celebratory occasions, but you can add a special touch to your hen party weekend by taking a a tip from the Sex and The City girls and indulging yourselves with delicious cocktails. Thousands of cocktail recipes can be found on the web, so stock up on a few bottles and get mixing! You may also want to pack a few of your favourite hang-over cures - just in case.

* Entertainment

If you are planning on spending most of your weekend relaxing in your accommodation, pack a stack of films to watch during downtime. Romantic comedies and light-hearted flicks are a good choice, unless of course your bride to be is a horror fanatic!
A good selection of music  is also handy : a few relaxing mixes to soothe your senses during treatments, and something more upbeat for party-time.

The annual vacation is the highlight of the year for many families, making memories which last a lifetime. Wherever you choose to go, it pays to plan ahead to ensure a journey which is as fun(really!) as your holiday. Tackle those typical whines “Are we there yet” , “I’m bored” , “I feel sick” and “I’m hungry” with our handy guide to travelling with kids.

* As any parent with a child who suffers from travel sickness knows, the experience can make even the shortest journey a struggle. Children between the age of 2 and 12 are most likely to be troubled with motion sickness, and may experience nausea, headache and cold sweats. Fortunately, there are numerous solutions to beat the dreaded motion sickness, which at best leaves you with an miserable child, and at worst, sick to clean off the car upholstery/your child’s clothing/everything.

The key to beating motion sickness, which can occur in cars, aeroplanes, buses and boats, is     to be prepared. Many parents find it helpful to use over-the-counter motion sickness     remedies such as Dramamine, which can prevent nausea from occurring and lasts around 8     hours. If you prefer to take a more natural approach, buy a set of acupressure bands, which     stimulate a vital point on the wrist and can be very effective. Ginger is a tried and tested      herbal remedy used for many types of nausea -  try giving your child pieces of stem ginger      to chew, or an     infusion of ginger to drink during the journey. Of course, it never hurts to     pack a spare change of clothes and baby wipes - just in case!

* Children’s boredom thresholds vary immensely, and on long flights or car journeys where they have to sit down for extended periods, you may find that they become irritable more quickly than usual. Beat the complaints(and avoid a headache!) by packing a bag of small wrapped gifts to be opened along the way. The great thing about this idea, is that you can tailor the presents to suit your child’s age. Don’t go overboard and buy too much, and keep it simple : you want to choose items which won’t make a mess and lots of noise, especially if you are flying or using public transport! Think colouring books and washable crayons, dolls, toy cars and puzzle books, rather than modelling clay and musical instruments.

If you are travelling by car, add an audio-book or singalong CD to the mix and you’ll find     the miles fly by!
Older children can be supplied with a map with has the route and destination marked on it -     they’ll enjoy following their progress along the way.

* If you travelling by air, bear in mind that children tend to suffer from ear pain caused by the air pressure changes, more than adults. Common suggestions to ease this pressure include chewing gum, sucking on a hard sweet or laughing, although none of these are guaranteed to work. On the plus side, most people only experience ear pain during take-off and landing, so you can take comfort for knowing that it won’t last forever! If you are concerned about this issue, talk to your doctor before flying, as they may be able to prescribe a decongestant which should help considerably.

* Most short-haul and budget airlines no longer provide meals, and roadside cafés and service stations can be expensive, with limited food options available. It makes sense then, to prepare a few snacks for the kids to nibble on throughout the journey. You may want to avoid chocolate, and anything else which will cause a sticky mess! Healthy nibbles such as dried fruit, crackers and cheese triangles are all good ideas, which will help satisfy hungry tummies without causing mayhem.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it is time to start planning a romantic break and surprise that special person in your life. While Paris is a traditional choice for many couples, this year, why not step it up a level and opt for somewhere a little more imaginative. Read on to discover five top romantic destinations with a twist, and make your Valentine celebrations stand out from the crowd.

* Spend a weekend in the Northern Italian city of Verona, the city where Shakespeare’s tragic love story Romeo and Juliet was played out. The bustling ancient city has been inhabited since 550BC and is home to numerous of examples of well preserved Roman and Medieval architecture as well as museums and art galleries. Take your sweetheart to Juliet’s House(Casa di Giulietta), where couples traditionally post love notes on a nearby wall, and have their picture taken with a statue of Juliet. OK, so this attraction was built in the 21st Century, and is considered by some to be a tacky tourist trap, while others find a truly romantic atmosphere in the cobbled courtyard.

Approximately 15 minutes from the centre of Verona, you’ll find the idyllic Giardini Giusti.          The renaissance gardens are a popular picnic spot, with hidden grottos and meandering            footpaths leading up to the peak of a small hill with magnificent views of the city.

* Indulge your senses with a trip to Granada, in the Spanish province of Andalusia. While Granada is probably best known for the intricate Moorish architecture found at the Alhambra Palace, there is much more to the city than history.

Treat your taste-buds with the gastronomic delights served in the bars and restaurants of the         city. Cookery in Granada is influenced by the fresh produce available from mountainous           regions and Mediterranean coastline. Hearty, rustic stews of beans, meat and vegetables play    a major role in cuisine, while seafood and catch of the day fish dishes offer a lighter option.

Escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and discover the Hammam, Arabic Baths.     Located near Plaza Nueva, the baths are a haven of tranquillity, where you and your partner     can relax, rejuvenate and revive yourselves.

* Whisk your partner away to Cyprus, where, legend has it, the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite rose from the waves. Aphrodite’s Rock, off the coast between Pafos and Limassol marks the spot, and folklore tales suggest that if you were to swim around the rock at midnight at full moon, you would be granted with eternal youth.

Cyprus is one of the warmest countries in Europe, and in February, you can experience the             first signs of spring: meadows of wild flower blossom, bird song, and sunshine. Drive into    the Troodos Mountains and wander the marked footpaths, where you might even be lucky         enough to spot a Cyprus Mouflon - a type of sheep, unique to the island.

If sightseeing doesn’t suit your mood, there are plenty of spectacular sandy beaches, ideal for       lazy days, cocktails and perhaps a little surfing?

* Of course, you don’t have to travel overseas to find a romantic destination that’ll charm your beau. Scotland’s capital city Edinburgh, exudes romance, with its old world glamour and hidden mysteries. As seen on TV’s Most Haunted series, you can discover Edinburgh’s spooky past with a spine-chilling guided ghost walk through the haunted Underground Vaults, where you’ll meet some of the city’s supernatural residents and haqve some guaranteed scary moments!

If braving the ghouls that lurk in the darkness doesn’t appeal, go for a light-hearted option and take your date to Edinburgh Zoo, located a short distance outside the city. The popular attraction is home to dozens of different species, and isn’t just for kids. Be sure not to miss out on the zoo’s famous daily “Penguin Parade”, when the comical birds enjoy playtime on the penguin lawn.

Many of the UK’s top fine-dining restaurants have now realised the benefits of using seasonal (and often locally sourced)  ingredients to create their gourmet menus. By using ingredients when they are in season, you are capturing them at their very best, and you don’t have to be a Michelin-starred chef to do so. Make the most of this seasons top ingredients and add some award winning style to your kitchen.

The chilly, grey weather of January calls for cookery which is classic, homely and warming. Fortunately, many of the ingredients which are at their most abundant lend themselves well to traditional British dishes which will satisfy your appetite.

Leeks are one of the symbols of Wales, and are worn on St David’s Day. No-one knows why this particular vegetable was chosen, although some believe it relates back to a historical battle which took place in a leek field. Legend has it that wily King Cadwaladr of Gwynedd instructed his men to wear a leek on their helmets in order to identify themselves from Saxon invaders. Whether or not this tale is true, the leek is a front-runner in the vegetable world, with its mild onion flavour making it a useful ingredient in many dishes. Health-wise, leeks are an excellent addition to the diet - they are high in fibre and contain vitamins, calcium and folic acid, and are known to have anti-arthritic properties. Buy firm, fresh looking leeks, with dark green leaves and white bulbs, and prepare by trimming and washing thoroughly to remove any soil. One simple and delicious recipe idea for leeks is a rich and creamy winter soup, but more adventurous cooks could try combining sautéed leeks with Welsh rarebit for a tasty baguette or toast topping.

Over recent years cauliflower has been rejected by many, but the delicate flavour and texture can add a new dimension to many winter dishes. Cauliflower is actually a flower, and has been cultivated in the British Isles since the mid 16^th Century. Cauliflower “curds” are usually white, although new varieties have been created through selective breeding and purple, red and even yellow versions can be purchased. When you choose a cauliflower look for healthy firm looking curds without any marks and store in a cool dry place, with the stalk downwards to prevent humidity getting caught it the florets. Preserve that unique texture by steaming the florets instead of boiling, which can cause the cauliflower to become water-logged.

Cauliflower is delicious served as an vegetable side dish, and Cauliflower Cheese is a popular meal for many families. Tantalise your taste-buds and change your usual cheese sauce for a spicy curry sauce, which will give an Indian flavour to this old favourite. Another exciting way of using cauliflower is to make Cauliflower Mash, as an accompaniment to meat or fish.

The sunshine colour and acidic flavour of oranges can be used to brighten up your cuisine and add a burst of vitamins to your diet. Sweet Oranges were introduced to Britain by Portuguese Merchants and are well known as a source of Vitamin C, one of the vital antioxidants which can help to build the human body’s natural defences. Most of the worlds oranges are now grown in Brazil, and at this time of year they are their most ripe and juicy. Select firm, bright looking fruits and store in a refrigerator for up to a week.

Oranges are a popular snack, but don’t let this season’s citrusy treats get away without adding them to a few recipes. Add some extra zing to your families Sunday Roast by marinading a large chicken in orange juice and covering with orange slices, then drizzle with honey and season well. Remember that you can freeze orange peels to use later, in any recipes which require orange zest.

Venison is the name given to deer meat, the very best of which is sourced wild in the Scottish Highlands. The meat has a hearty flavour and is low in cholesterol and fat, which makes it an excellent choice for anyone following a healthy diet to counteract the excessive consumption during Christmas. It is believed that venison has been consumed by humans for longer than other meat types such as pork and chicken, so take a tip from the ancients and swap your usual Beef Stew for Venison. Buy fresh venison steak from a reliable butcher and cook with tasty vegetables : carrots, swede or turnip, parsnip and onion - you could even add a leek or two. Serve with a fluffy, buttery mash and enjoy the taste of the wild. For those who’d like an even simpler option, go for one of the delicious brands of gourmet venison sausage available, and enjoy a good old fashioned Sausage and Mash with a contemporary twist.