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!

Black Olives, Green Olives

In general, the difference between black and green olives is how ripe they are when picked. Most olive trees produce fruit which is green when immature, changing to a purple hue, then glossy black when fully ripe.

Freshly Picked Olives?

The majority of olives cannot be eaten directly off the tree. This is because they have a very bitter, astringent flavour and need to be processed (cured) before serving. Curing techniques vary through olive growing regions, each lending their own unique flavour to the finished dish. Some of the most common methods used to cure olives include brine curing, water curing and lye curing.

Olives are Drupes

Although the savoury flavour of olives means that they are often considered to be a vegetable, they are in fact a fruit. But, not any old fruit- olives belong to the drupe family, along with apricots, cherries, plums and almonds. To be described as a drupe, a fruit must contain a central seed or stone, surrounded by a larger, fleshy outer layer.

Top Producers of Olives

Olives are the one of most widely produced crop in the world, with the Mediterranean region being the leading area for olive growing. With an annual production level of around 6 million tonnes of olives each year, Spain is at the forefront, with Italy, Greece, Turkey and Syria close behind.

Part of a Healthy Diet?

Olives, and olive products such as oil, are a staple part of the Mediterranean diet, and can have great benefits for your health. Rich in Omega 9 and Vitamin E, olives also contain “good” fat which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. However, it is worth remembering that moderation is best - olives may contain fairly high levels of sodium, which when consumed in excess can contribute  towards high blood pressure and related problems. With around 5 calories in each medium sized olive, the answer is to enjoy, but not overdo it!

Storing Olives

Olives can be stored for months in the right conditions. One of the best tricks to preserve the flavour and texture is to store the olives in a sealed glass jar, kept in the fridge. Some people also like to drain off any brine or liquid, and replace it with olive oil.

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.

While holidays with family and friends are a great way to see the world, many people “flying solo” and taking a trip by themselves from time to time. Although personal safety is an important issue, even when travelling in a group, those who choose to holiday alone should give some consideration to their personal safety and well-being.

It is an unfortunate fact that those travelling alone may be singled out for theft/attack as they may appear weaker than tourists in a group. Another issue which solo travellers face is falling ill and being unable to get medical help . Neither of these issues should put people off travelling alone, but should make them aware that extra precautions may be necessary.

Top Tips for Safe Solo Travel

One of the most important ways for the solo traveller to protect themselves is to ensure that someone knows where they plan to visit and when. It is a good idea to provide a family member or close friend with an itinerary of your travel schedule and contact details for any accommodation that you have booked. You might also like to leave paper copies of your ID and personal documentation with family, as this may be useful in an emergency situation.

You can also arrange to “check-in” with your friends or family, regularly throughout your holiday. This way your loved ones will be alerted if you don’t make contact at a pre-arranged time, and if necessary, take action to help you. Facebook and Twitter makes this a really easy thing to do, however you should ensure that you limit details to a trusted audience.

Leave valuable items at home, and keep expensive items such as cameras and mobile phones well concealed to avoid tempting theft. If you are travelling to a less affluent area, try to “dress down” to avoid drawing unwanted attention to yourself. Remember that in some countries, dress codes, particularly for women, can be very restricted - take clues from what the majority of people are wearing and dress in the same style.

Consider whether your behaviour is that of a victim - you might feel unnerved walking down that dark street, but statistics show that you are less likely to be followed or mugged if you keep a calm, firm stride, and don’t panic. Some travellers feel more confident if they take a few self-defence classes before a solo vacation and learn the basic skills needed to stay safe.

When you first arrive at your destination, take time to note the location of the nearest police station and hospital, in case of emergencies, as well as the Consulate for your home country.

As with any travel, a fully comprehensive insurance policy is vital and will help you to ensure that you get the help you need if something does go wrong.

Most of us enjoy a glass of wine or two on occasion, whether it is a bottle of white with the girls on a Friday night, a rich red with Sunday lunch, or a splash of champagne at celebrations. However, what many people don’t realise is that most wines will benefit from being decanted before drinking. Read on and discover all you need to know about decanting wines.

What is a decanter?

Basically, a decanter is any wide-necked container which can be used to hold wine. Remains of decanters have been found on ancient Roman archaeological sites, while the Murano glass-makers of Venice became famous for their elegant swirling designs. The basic design of the decanter has remained almost unchanged throughout history, apart from the addition of a stopper for the decanter top, which was first used in 1730s Britain.

What are the benefits of decanting?

The first reason for decanting wine applies to bottles which have been stored (aged) for an extended period and contain a sediment. This sediment forms, usually in red wines, and can lend an unpleasant bitter flavour, as well as unattractive appearance to a glass of wine. Sediment is removed by carefully transferring the wine from the bottle to a decanter. The modern habit of drinking “young” wines, which have not been allowed to age means that sediment is much less frequent these days. However in some white wines, a crystalline type of sediment may form during the filtration process, and can be removed by the same process.

The second, and equally important, reason for decanting wine is to allow flavours and aromas to develop. When wine is decanted, a larger surface area is exposed to the air and oxygen. Oxygen transforms harsh tannins, which can make wine taste overly robust and thick,  and allows a lighter flavour to develop. Leaving a bottle of wine open does not have the same effect as decanting, as the surface area of wine exposed to the air is smaller.

Which wines should be decanted? Are there any wines which should not be decanted?

Some wine experts suggest that all wines can benefit from being decanted, while others say that it is unnecessary. The best way to decide for yourself is to experiment. A young red wine which has a lot  of bite could achieve a much smoother mouth feel if it was decanted for an hour or so before drinking, while a white may need just a few minutes exposure to the air. Generally, champagne, cava and other sparkling wines do not need to be decanted, although some contemporary restaurants offer this option for wine drinkers who prefer a less bubbly tipple. If you are not sure whether or not to decant your wine, try decanting a small amount a testing after a short time to taste for yourself how the flavours have developed.

While the usual British Christmas dinner of roast turkey and all the trimmings is a well loved tradition, more and more families are looking for some alternative options for their festive feast. Greater culinary knowledge can be attributed in part to the many TV chefs who inspire us these days, while worldwide travel and the availability of international produce in our supermarkets has given us a taste for the exotic.

If turkey fails to whet your appetite, why not take a new approach to seasonal cooking, and surprise your friends and family with one of the following treats.

Roast Goose

Many of the images that we associate with Christmas today were popularised during the Victorian era - the Christmas tree, Father Christmas and Dickens “A Christmas Carol” all emerged during this period. The Christmas meal was as much of a highlight of the celebrations as it is today, and the upper classes would often revel in the grandeur of a roast goose as the centre-piece of their meal.

Serving roast goose is a great way to gently introduce your family to something other than turkey for Christmas dinner and can be ordered from any good butchers, just like a turkey can. Roast goose has a rich, succulent flavour, and the fat which drips off the bird during cooking makes the most perfect roast potatoes that you’ll ever eat!

Whole Poached Salmon

If you have a fishmonger, or supermarket with a fresh fish counter, in your area, you have the perfect opportunity to surprise your Christmas dinner guests with the luxury of a whole, poached salmon. If the closest you have ever been to cooking with fish is opening a can of tuna, a whole salmon may be an unnerving prospect. However, the poaching method is (almost) foolproof, and you can ask for the fish to be prepared for cooking when you purchase it. Poached salmon is also an excellent choice for those of you who prefer not to be chained to a hot stove on Christmas day, as it is normally served chilled, so can be prepared ahead on Christmas Eve.

Suckling Pig

Suckling pig is a popular Christmas dish in Latin America and Europe, where whole piglets are sold in supermarkets in the lead up to 25^th December. If you want to try suckling pig for yourself, you’ll need to order a suckling pig from your butcher a few weeks before the big day - and you may want to get him or her to cut it in half for you, especially if you have a small oven! Suckling pig is a good choice for family gatherings where formality is no concern - because it really is best eaten with the fingers. If you are going to do suckling pig, do it right - place the cooked meat on a large central platter, provide finger bowls and serviettes, then let every one dig in!

Choosing Christmas presents for friends and family can be difficult, which is why buying something related to a hobby or interest is always a good idea. If you are looking for a Christmas gift for someone who loves to travel, then you’ve come to the right place. We’ve come up with a list of great travel related gift ideas to inspire you - whether you are looking for a fun Secret Santa gift for a work colleague, or a luxurious gift for that special person in your life.

Budget Buys

Combining several small items which are related is a great way to make a budget gift a little more special. How about wrapping up an inflatable-neck pillow, an eye mask and some cosy travel socks for a friend who goes on lots of long-haul journeys.

Silly gifts such as anti-travel sickness tablets, children’s inflatable armbands, mini-toothbrush and toothpaste or a fold-up sun hat are all good stocking fillers - providing the recipient will appreciate the humour.

Mid-Range Gifts

Many of the best-selling beauty and skin care brands offer gift-sets of travel-sized products. This is ideal if you know the recipient already uses and likes a particular brand. If you aren’t sure which brands to purchase, another option is to purchase a cosmetics case and fill it with specially designed refillable bottles - excellent for those friends who are environmentally aware!

Travel related books are an excellent choice whether the recipient is well-travelled or longs to be. From the humour of Bill Bryson’s books, to the informative guides produced by Lonely Planet, a browse through the travel section of your local book shop will give you plenty of options to choose from.

We all know difficult it can be to spot your bag through the crowds of people at the average airport luggage carousel. Make sure your friend or family member’s luggage stands out from the crowd by ordering a personalised luggage strap.

Luxurious Treats

An extravagant Christmas present for a loved one who enjoys wine, as well as travel, is to rent them a share of a vineyard in Spain, France, Italy or Turkey. The recipient will not only receive a delivery of quality wine, but also have the opportunity to visit “their” row of vines.

If you’ve noticed that your loved one’s suitcase has seen better days, why not purchase on of the sleek and sophisticated luggage designs which are now available. Light-weight and durable, the lucky recipient will be grateful for your thoughtful gift every time they open the case to find all contents unscathed by the journey!

If you have booked a long haul flight for your next vacation, you may have some concerns about Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT. Often referred to as Economy Class Syndrome, untreated DVT can lead to life-threatening complications, so being aware of what it is and how to prevent it is vital.

What is DVT?

In the simplest terms possible, DVT is the medical name for when a clot forms in a vein, deep within the body. In the majority of cases of DVT, clots form in the femoral vein or in the veins of the pelvis.

What are the symptoms of DVT?

One of the dangers of DVT is that it is possible for a sufferer to have no symptoms. However, in most cases, inflammation, redness of the limb and discomfort will occur.

What is the connection between long-haul flights and DVT?

The occurrence of DVT in people travelling on long-haul flights is one which has been studied in great detail. The WRIGHT project investigated the connection and found that the risk of DVT does increase for individuals taking flights of a duration greater than four hours. It is believed that risk of DVT increases during long flights mainly due to dehydration and sitting still for extended periods.

Additionally, there are certain groups of people who are at greater risk of developing DVT when flying : those who have had recent surgery, the very elderly, those with medical obesity and those taking certain types of contraceptive pills. If you fit into any of these groups and are worried about flying and DVT, talk to your doctor for advice and reassurance.

How can I prevent DVT?

There are a number of things that you can do to reduce your risk of DVT when flying long haul.

ñ  It isn’t always easy, but move around as much as possible during the flight. Wander up and down the aisle every hour or so to stretch your legs and keep the blood circulation healthy.

ñ  You can also exercise by performing calf and foot stretches while in your seat. Alternate between pressing the heel and ball of your foot into the floor, rotate your ankles in circles etc., as frequently as possible.

ñ  Avoid alcoholic drinks and coffee. Instead sip at water before and during your flight which will help to prevent dehydration.

ñ  Invest in a pair of graduated compression elastic stockings, which are available from good pharmacists. Several studies have shown that these are useful in reducing the risk of DVT.

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.

As one of the major national holidays in the United States, Thanksgiving forms an important part of American culture. For many people, this celebration marks the beginning of the festive season and the lead up to Christmas. Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November and has a history dating back hundreds of years.

The original Thanksgiving took place in Plymouth after a successful crop which would see the pilgrims through the winter of 1621. It was a way of thanking God for providing abundance and safety for the people, in a time when conditions were much harsher than the ones we know today. The first Thanksgiving would have been a sparse affair, based around the vegetables which the Pilgrims has succeeded in growing, along with meat and fish that they caught.

Modern Thanksgiving celebrations are a time when many families in the United States get together, often travelling miles to reunite in the family home. Food forms a central part of the festivities, with dishes which recall those foods which may have been eaten during the first Thanksgiving celebrations.

While most families have their own favourite dishes and secret recipes, the majority of Thanksgiving dinners will include a turkey. In fact, turkey is so strongly connected with Thanksgiving in the American psyche, that some people call the holiday “Turkey Day”. Billions of dollars are spent every Thanksgiving on turkeys, with one of the most popular varieties being the succulent Butterball.

The turkey is usually filled with a stuffing made from breadcrumbs and seasoned with sage and onion, before being roasted in the oven. Some families also cook a separate dish of stuffing, or make stuffing balls, which have a crispier texture than stuffing roasted inside the turkey.

Usually, the juices which are produced during the cooking of the turkey are reserved and made into a thick, rich sauce called gravy. Some people prefer not to roast their turkey, instead boiling or deep-frying it.

While the turkey remains popular as a choice for meat, over recent years, some families have been trying alternative treats. Roast suckling pig, duck and goose are all growing in popularity and make an interesting choice for families who prefer something different.

Alongside the central platter of roast turkey, a number of side dishes complete the Thanksgiving meal. Cranberry sauce is a fruity condiment, which is either made from fresh berries or purchased in a jar or tin. American cranberry sauce has a jelly-like consistency, unlike the jam-style cranberry sauce served in the United Kingdom. Another treat is orange-coloured sweet potatoes, boiled and  then mashed until fluffy, then topped with marshmallows. Potatoes may be served mashed, roasted alongside the turkey or gratin style in a creamy sauce.

To complete a Thanksgiving meal, the most popular dish has to be pumpkin pie. These are widely available in bakeries and supermarkets during the season, although some people do still bake them at home. Other favourite desserts include apple pie, ice-cream and baked cheese-cakes.