This could be a perfect compromise on a self catering holiday.

If you are reluctant to put your cooking skills to the test for a fortnight, or simply prefer not to worry about what is for dinner every night, hiring a private chef could be the solution.

Self catering breaks have been traditionally associated with holidays on a budget, and basic cooking facilities. However, as upmarket self catering accommodation has become more widely available, many people have begun to add a luxurious touch to their holiday by arranging for a personal chef to do the cooking for them.

What are the benefits of hiring a chef for your holiday?

Apart from the obvious benefit of being able to relax instead of preparing meals, hiring a chef for your self catering holiday has a number of benefits. In the majority of cases, you will be able to specify exactly what the chef’s work will include. This means that you can leave the responsibility of shopping, menu planning and even washing up to someone else. An added bonus is that professionally trained chefs can whip up gourmet treats that most of us can only dream of creating, so that you can enjoy restaurant quality food, in the comfort of your holiday accommodation.

Of course, you don’t have to employ the chef to cook every meal you eat during your holiday. You might be happy to handle breakfast yourself, or prefer to eat out on several occasions. In some cases, you may even want to hire the chef for one special meal only - for example if you plan to invite guests to visit your villa or apartment for a dinner party.

Are there any downsides to hiring a chef for your holiday?

The main downside to hiring a chef for your holiday is the cost - and depending on your preferences, this service can be expensive. This, however, is the only real downside - any other concerns, such as whether the chef’s cooking style will suit your tastes can be dealt with by a thorough interview process (see below).

Top Tips for Hiring a Chef

• There are numerous agencies which specialise in supplying private chefs for events and holidays. Although their services come at a cost, they put their employees through strict testing processes and perform background checks - which is vital, as you will be letting a stranger into your holiday home.
• Other options for finding chefs include advertising in newspapers and magazines, or through the Internet. Should you prefer to find your chef without assistance from an agency, be sure to check references and ask short-listed chefs to cook a meal for you, so that you can test their skills.
• Anyone you hire to cater for you should hold current Food Handling Certification, which means that they have passed a course in hygiene and food safety.
• Try to build up a strong idea of what you will want from your chef. Ask yourself questions such as “What kind of food do my family like to eat?” “Do I want the chef to use local ingredients?” “Does anyone have any specific dietary needs which have to be catered for?

We would like to know your thoughts on this - Have your hired a chef for your holiday or would you consider it?

Go back in time just twenty years or so, and the only olives that you would find in the UK would be the small, green, pepper-stuffed ones in your Martini. Today, olives have become much more widely available, and are not only sold in fancy delicatessens, but also in your local supermarket. As Britain’s love affair with these unusually flavoured fruit grows, here are six fascinating facts about olives - an ideal way to impress your friends when you serve olives as an appetiser or snack! Read the rest of this entry »

At home, you probably have a fire-alarm installed, and take adequate precautions to ensure your families safety. However, on holiday, most people tend to take a fairly lax attitude to fire safety. It is easy to assume that your accommodation is fitted out with the right equipment, and the likelihood of  something going wrong may seem so small that it just isn’t worth worrying about. Unfortunately, fires have been known to break out in holiday accommodations with tragic circumstances, so taking responsibility for your own safety while travelling is very important. Read on and discover our top tips for fire safety on  holiday.

Safety Awareness - A First Priority
When you arrived at your hotel, apartment, camp-site, villa or other accommodation, make it a priority to  ensure that you know exactly what you should do in case of an emergency. Most businesses will have an  evacuation plan in place, so make sure you read this and understand what you are expected to do.
You should also make your own plan for at least two escape routes from your room( as one may be blocked by smoke or flames), and ensure that everyone who is travelling with you is also aware. Do this as soon as you get your key and drop your luggage into the room so that you don’t forget this essential tip. Remember,  elevators are a no-go in  emergencies, as you may end up trapped inside. Also bear in mind that any exit  which involves “jumping” is a fairly risky strategy, so look for other options wherever possible.

Locate the Fire Safety Equipment
Not only should you know how to escape from the building that you are staying in if there is a fire  emergency, but you should also know where any fire safety equipment such as fire-alarms, hoses, fire extinguishers and safety axes are kept.
If you happen to be staying in an accommodation which does not have a fire alarm, it is worth using a personal smoke-detector such as the Flaresafe to give yourself a little extra peace of mind.

If The Worst Happens
If a fire does break out in your accommodation, the most important tip to ensure your survival is to stay  CALM and raise the ALARM. It is almost inevitable that there will be lots of people panicking when an  emergency occurs, however those who stay calm are much more likely to escape unharmed. Set off any  alarm systems near you to ensure that everyone is alert, and call emergency services if necessary.
If possible, exit the building quickly, without wasting any time to gather your personal belongings together.  If you find yourself trapped in a room, keep the doors shut and soak bedding, clothing, towels and any other textiles in water, using them to seal up cracks under doorways etc. and block the smoke from coming in.  Taking this approach is one of the most successful ways to stay alive until a rescue team arrives to help you  get out of the building.

Located in the scenic, mountainous region of Northern Italy, Lake Garda is an ever popular destination for family holidays. The vast body of water is the largest lake in Italy, stretching 51km in length, but just 17km at its widest point. With a total of 158km of coastline, Lake Garda offers a wide range of attractions for visitors to the area, from water-sports such as windsurfing, to hiking, biking and sightseeing.

If you are planning a holiday to Lake Garda, or Lago de Garda as it is called in Italian, you will soon realise that it would be near impossible to see everything in the area over the course of seven or fourteen days. Instead of trying to pack everything in, why not narrow down the options by checking out our list of top picks for Lark Garda family holidays - we’ve thought of something to please everyone!

Go Fish

You may well try some of the fish caught in Lake Garda in one of the local restaurants during your holiday - but have you considered catching your own? There are more than 30 different species of fish found in the lake, including trout, carp and perch. It is possible to book fishing trips, or simply hire some fishing kit and try your hand at getting the “catch of the day”. Even if your bait goes unnoticed by the lake’s finned inhabitants, wiling away a couple of hours by the waterside, with wonderful scenery and a tranquil ambience is a great way to relax.

Go to A Theme Park

If your kids wanted to go to Disneyland, but you booked Lake Garda, you can ease their disappointment by taking them to the region’s top theme park Gardaland. The theme park offers a huge array of attractions from fun rides for younger children, to high-speed roller-coasters for thrill seekers and bigger kids. Fast food is available at a selection of kiosks and restaurants, while the array of shows and activities will keep you and your family busy all day. Prices for entry depend on the season, but are fairly good value, especially if you choose to book a “bundle” which includes entry into the Garda Sealife Aquarium.

Go on Horseback

While many people tour Lake Garda in cars or coaches, you’ll gain a completely different perspective of the countryside if you see it from horseback. There are many riding schools and trekking centres who can arrange to take you and your family on a guided tour along some of the many well-kept footpaths in the area. Experienced guides will not only help you learn the basics of riding your mount, but will also be able to point out all those little natural details that you would never had spotted from behind the wheel of a car.

Go Back in Time

Take a step back in time, by visiting the Grotte di Catullo in Sirmione. The ancient Roman ruins are awe-inspiring in size with columns, frescos and mosaics all still visible. Also on-site, an informative archaeological museum provides insight into the buildings, the purpose they served and the people who lived in them. The Grotte is perched on a hill-side, and even if you aren’t interested in the history of the area, you won’t fail to be impressed by the view over the surrounding lakes and mountains.

After any enjoyable vacation, returning home is inevitably a bit of a come down. You’ve spent a week or more experiencing new things, relaxing and generally forgetting about work and home, then you are straight back into the real world. The post holiday blues, or post holiday depression, is a problem that many people face, and it is all too easy to find yourself resenting your normal life, which is not healthy at all!Here are our top tips to help you chase those holiday blues away.

Pre-plan for an Easy-going Return

There are lots of things you can do to make your return home less of a shock to the system

If possible, plan your return journey to allow some “recovery time” before your go back to work. A couple of days to get unpacked and catch up on what has been going on helps to blur the contrast between holidays and home

Pay any bills that will be due during your vacation or just after your return to prevent nasty surprises

Another great idea is to ask a close friend or family member to pop over to your house on the day of your return. Coming back to a cold house with nothing in the fridge is depressing, so get your friend to switch on the heating, if required, and buy a few fresh groceries for you. Offer to do the same in return when they arrive back from their holidays!

Bring Your Holiday Home

Daily life can see fairly dull and grey after a fortnight of exotic cuisine, adventures and sunshine. However, bring some of those favourite elements of your holiday can lighten your mood and bring extra value to your lifestyle.

If you and your family enjoyed eating local specialities during your holidays, why not try to recreate some of them at home. Many supermarkets are now stocking what once were classed as “exotic ingredients” from olive oil, which was once only sold in pharmacies in the UK, to tropical fruit. Play around with what is available, and get the whole family involved in cooking dishes which spark your holiday nostalgia.

Make your holiday snaps into an attractive collage and place it where it’ll be seen every day. Depending on how creative you are, you might want to do this with digital photos or prints. Every time you look at your artwork, you smile as you remember your holiday.

Holidays are often about trying new things, but when we get home, we fall into the habit of our usual routines. Shake things up by resolving to see or do something new every week. It might be trying an exercise class, going to a different restaurant, attending art exhibitions or even watching a movie you’d normally dismiss. Bringing new and fresh things into your life can extend that feel-good holiday vibe indefinitely!

Plan for Your Next Vacation

If all else fails, starting to plan for your next holiday is a great way to improve your positivity. Rather than just look at brochures and websites about possible destinations, why not turn your planning into a learning experience.

If you have decided what country you are going to, why not learn the language? This might seem like a big goal, but it is a worthwhile one. Your mood will definitely be boosted as you start to pick up phrases and recognise words, and you’ll appreciate all that hard-work when you put your new found skills into practice while on holiday

Another idea is to study the history and culture of the place you plan to visit. Get down to your local library and read up on the people and events which have shaped the country you’ll be travelling too. This is an excellent way to enrich your holiday experience, and will help you beat the boredom that often appears when your next holiday seems a long way away.

Since the start of 2011, we have seen increasing numbers of earthquakes across the globe. Japan, New Zealand, Spain and even the United Kingdom have seen earth tremors of varying severity over recent months, and some of these have been extremely destructive.

You may be wondering what earthquakes have to do with self catering holidays. Well, since earthquakes usually happen with little or no prior warning, it is not impossible that you may encounter one when you are on vacation. While this is a nightmare that nobody wants to face, having an understanding of how to protect yourself and your family is essential. In this article, we set out to give you some understanding of what happens when an earthquake occurs and how you should react if it does.

Earthquakes are caused by movements of the earth’s plates, creating a shaking sensation which can damage structures on the surface. Even the most minor trembles can be alarming, particularly the first time you experience them as it may be difficult to stand and furniture may move around.

If a quake does occur, you should bear in mind the following safety tips and advice.

The number one piece of advice is DO NOT PANIC. Most quakes are minor and cause little or no problems, so stay cool and aware.

Make sure that everyone in the family knows a plan of action in case of emergency.

In severe quakes, local emergency services will mobilise to provide assistance. Always follow instructions given by police, fire and ambulance officers for optimum safety.

Only make phone calls if it is absolutely essential, to keep lines free for vital communications.

Quakes are normally followed by aftershocks, so be ready to take shelter again if this happens.

Indoors

If you are indoors when an earthquake happens, experts advise that you should stay indoors until the shaking stops. Most people are injured when they panic and try to run outside or get to a different part of the building during an earthquake.

Drop to the floor and shelter beneath a strong table. If there is nothing that you can hide under, position yourself in an inner corner of the building. Use your arms to protect your face.

Although it is often advised to take shelter in a doorway, this is only the case if the doorway is strongly supported. Since it is unlikely that you can be sure about this in holiday accommodation, it is advisable to forget this option.

Be aware of any objects which might fall on you and cause injury, such as light fittings or ornaments. You should also get as far away as possible from glass doors or windows which could shatter.

Never use elevators during or after a quake. Remember that electric and gas supplies may be disturbed by quakes.

Keep your travel documents, insurance and identification in an easy to access place at all times during your holiday. If something unexpected happens, then it will be beneficial to be able to access these papers.

Outdoors

If you are outdoors, stay put but move away from any buildings, street lights or anything else which may fall and cause injury.

In a Vehicle

If you happen to be driving when an earthquake occurs, look for a safe place to stop. Don’t park under bridges, by buildings or under electrical wires, as these may be damaged by the tremors.

If you are able to continue your journey, do so with care, remembering that quakes can cause cracks in roads and cause flooding.

If  You Get Trapped

Make sure that everyone knows what to do if they are caught under debris.

Stay calm and do not try to move about too much, as this may cause movement of the debris and put you in greater danger.

Summon help using a whistle if possible, or by calling out when you hear people nearby.

Do not light a flame, as gas pipes may be damaged by the quake and could cause explosions.

While keeping the advice detailed above in mind, it is good to remember that the likelihood that you will be involved in an earthquake remains very low. We hope that rather than frightening you, these tips will give you a sense of security knowing what to do “just in case”.

Whether you are a frequent flyer or take one vacation each year, getting to where you are going can at times be stressful and uncomfortable. It doesn’t have to be that way however, and if you pack the right attitude and follow our tips, you might even start seeing the flight as part of your holiday.

* Since most budget airlines not longer provide meals during the flight, and the online selection of snacks is normally rather boring and expensive, packing your own snack to eat on board is a great way to save money. Taking food through check in is not a problem, providing you remember not to pack knives or other sharp object and purchase your drinks in the departure lounge as there are restriction in place as to the quantities of liquids that can be carried through security. Get as creative as you like with the food you pack, as long as it isn’t smelly or messy - the other occupants of the plane might not appreciate it too much if you start opening tins of sardines! Make delicious sandwiches and wraps, take fresh or dried fruit and nuts, and anything else you fancy to stave off those airborne hunger pangs!
* Pack a few moist wipes in your bag. These come in handy in a whole variety of situations and are great if you feel the need to refresh yourself a bit before landing.
* While dressing for comfort might sound like something your granny does, you’ll be able to enjoy your flight much more if you think ahead about what you wear. The temperature of planes can fluctuate, so dress in light layers, which you can take off or put on if you feel too hot or cold. An extra pullover, hooded sweater or cardigan will keep you snug, and if you want to take it off, it’ll fold up to make a lovely soft pillow! Shoes that you can slip on and off easily are a bonus, particularly if your feet swell when you fly, and avoid any clothes that feel restrictive, or have large buckles or fastenings, which could dig in when you are seated for a long duration.
* If you like to catch a few zs when you are travelling, consider packing an eye-mask and ear plugs. These two simple purchases will increase your comfort significantly - you’ll be thankful of the ear plugs if you happen to be on a flight packed with screaming youngsters! If the noise of flights is a real bother, and you travel on a regular basis, you may like to invest in sound-cancelling headphones, somewhat pricey, but a perfect way to create a haven of silence. Some people also like the inflatable travel pillows that are widely available to provide a support for your neck. If you invest in one of these, make sure you try it before you fly - you want a cushion that won’t deflate as you use it, and it’s best to avoid anything that is too big, as your fellow passengers won’t be impressed if you infringe on their space.
* Many people like to use the “lost time” of their flight to catch up on reading, and the latest technology of e-books means that it’s even easier to ensure you have something keep you amused. Whether you choose electronic books or printed pages, pick something that you never have time to read at home, and loose yourself in some fantastic fiction. Other popular ideas for keeping yourself entertained include an i-Pod or similar device packed full of interesting downloads and music to put you in a great mood.
* Bach Rescue Remedy is a fantastic natural medicine which is great for anyone who suffers nerves/jitters when flying. Available in liquid and pastille form, the blend of floral and plant essences can be taken before you even reach the airport, helping you to relax and enjoy the start of your holidays.

Imagine the scenario. You’ve waited all year for your week or two in the sun with the family, and are enjoying a relaxing time, free from the pressures of work. Everything is marvellous until a) you slip by the pool-side and hear a nasty crunch from your ankle, or b) your child gets horrendous food poisoning from a dodgy BBQ sausage, or c) your husband’s back tooth breaks when eating sweets and he’s in agony. What happens now? Do you grab your EHIC and travel insurance documents and head off to get medical treatment, or do you panic and wish that you’d spent time arranging those two essential details when you booked your tickets? Nobody likes to think about what might happen if they fall ill on holiday, but a few minutes planning can save you stress and money if you do find yourself in a difficult situation.

Anyone who is entitled to NHS state healthcare in the UK can, and should, apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC replaced the E111 form in January 2006, is supplied free of charge and is valid for five years from the date of issue. Carrying an EHIC allows the holder to access free or reduced price medical treatment in the European Union’s 27 member states, and it is advised that you carry your card at all times while travelling in Europe. In practice, this card means that if you or a family member (who must have their own card) is injured or falls ill, they can use the public health services available in the country they are visiting, allowing them to continue their stay and not need to return to the UK for treatment. The process to order EHICs for your family is perfectly straight-forward. Simply head over to the EHIC website , where you can apply online or by telephone. You’ll need to have the relevant NIE number, surname and forename, as well as date of birth for each applicant handy before you get started.

Although your EHIC is a vital part of your travel kit, it is not interchangeable with travel insurance. To be totally secure and covered, you must have BOTH. The EHIC does not cover repatriation costs, and in most countries it does not cover full costs of medical care, only a contribution to the final amount. According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website , this could mean that you find yourself with hefty bills if something does go wrong : an air ambulance from the Canary Islands could cost you anything between £12,000 and £16,000(figures from FirstAssist Services Ltd).

If you want to avoid the added worry of how you’ll pay if something did happen to go awry, you absolutely must buy a travel insurance policy which offers complete cover for your needs. It is well worth shopping around for your travel insurance as prices vary between brokers, but bear in mind, what each policy includes can also vary dramatically. A standard travel insurance policy will only include 24 hour service and assistance, medical and health expenses, personal liability and cancellation cover, as well as cover for loss or theft of your possessions. While standard policies may be cheaper, take some time to consider whether it is worth spending the extra few quid for the extra security of personal accident cover and legal expenses. Remember that if you plan to participate in activities such as jet-skiing and paragliding, you may need to add extend your policy to add additional cover as these are often excluded. If you travel frequently, look out for money-saving deals on annual or multi-trip travel insurance, and NEVER travel without insurance.

With your EHIC and travel insurance arranged, you’ll be able to rest assured that things will be taken care of if you do have a problem. We’ve all heard stories of people who don’t buy insurance and end up with sky-high bills and a struggle to get home - don’t let that be you!

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.

When we think of bargain hunting and coupon collecting, many of us conjure up images of rifling through magazines, armed with a pair of scissors so that we don’t miss a trick. That type of bargain hunting is not obsolete, but thankfully the Internet is now providing a much more instant and relevant way to find great deals on the items you need or want.

Much of this shift has happened by word of mouth on social networking sites like Twitter; people hear of a good deal and they send it onto their friends or followers. This is good for the company offering the promotion, as their name gets exposure and shows them as generous, when all the while customers get a good deal. It works for everyone. If you’re already using social networking sites but aren’t seeing anyone recommending coupons and deals, then you just need to tweak the way you use them a little. We recommend you install Seesmic for your phone or PC, which allows you to do an advanced search on the keywords that interest you, for instance ‘restaurant vouchers’, ‘restaurant deals’ and ‘restaurant coupons’. The tool then scours each and every tweet sent the world over, and sends the ones containing your keywords/keyphrases back to you.

Seesmic really is a great tool, but it doesn’t actually guarantee top quality offers. What we mean is that the tweets you receive might be directly from a manufacturer promoting their product, rather than giving you a decent amount of money-off. To find the best deals, we recommend online communities and shopping ‘portals’ like Buxr.com. Content is created by consumers, for consumers here so there’s no promoting going on. What’s more, the site has its own voting system, where users rate any deal posted onto the site. That means easy distinction between dud voucher codes and genuinely great ones in the blink of an eye!

The final site we think is essential for bargain hunting and coupon collecting is Remember the Milk (rememberthemilk.com). You may have heard of this site before, as it’s a very popular way to organise events and activities online. Many people, however, use it in a different way for coupon collecting, whereby they input a coupon’s code as a ‘task’ due on the date that the coupon will expire, or a few days beforehand. Then, every coupon or voucher code is sent to you in an email and you don’t forget about it. You can coordinate coupons with events, too, such as a 2-for-1 voucher for a theme park on the day of your child’s birthday, or 20% off wine on your wedding anniversary. Remember the Milk is an incredibly versatile site with a simple concept, so you can alter it to suit any kind of bargain hunting.

There’s no need to ditch magazines and leaflets when it comes to bargain hunting, but adding the Internet to your coupon collecting repertoire is a great way to get the best deals. The websites that we’ve mentioned in this article will definitely help you find good money-off promotions, but it’s also a good idea to use your intuition. Search engines will always bring good deals if you use the right keywords, so be sure to do regular searches for coupons on your favourite items, and on your favourite shops too.