Whether it’s dancing the night away or going to a fireworks display, we all have a different way of celebrating our entrance into the new year. London is one of the best places to spend your last day of the year; the city is vibrant and thriving, especially on New Year’s Eve.
No doubt you’ll want to plan something exciting, which is why we’ve come up with our guide to help you plan the perfect New Year’s Eve that you’ll remember for years to come. All you need to do is find suitable accommodation and organise your train to London Kings Cross station.
What better to go see than the famous firework showcase that takes place near the London Eye each year? After a two-year hiatus, the stunning display is back by popular demand and starts at midnight, accompanied by the sounds of Big Ben.
Whilst tickets may now be sold out, you can still get close to the action without having to pay. Just outside of the ticketed zone is Cannon Street, which provides a great view of the riverside. Make sure to get here early, however, as the area becomes very busy later on. You can also go to Primrose Hill, one of the highest points in the city, where you are met with a panoramic view of Central London.
Celebrating the New Year on a cruise along the Thames is another great way of spending time with family and friends in London, and an alternative way of watching the fireworks. There are numerous cruise types to accommodate everyone, including a family cruise for children, a party cruise for the socialites and an evening meal for the hopeless romantics.
Pantomimes and theatre shows are a tradition in London during this time of year, and there’s no place better to go see a show than in the West End Theatre District. These world-renowned theatres consistently put on spectacular performances, including a variety of musicals, and most will showcase a matinee performance on New Year’s Eve.
Taking the children to a performance during the day is ideal to keep them entertained but make sure to always purchase your tickets directly from the theatre beforehand to avoid counterfeits.
Somerset House is an 18th-century property that has now become a public space. During the festive period, the central courtyard hosts an ice-skating rink and a 40-foot Christmas tree. On New Year’s Eve, the rink is usually open from 10 am to 4 pm but there is a special event at 7 pm, which includes a DJ, a selection of food and a fantastic view of the fireworks.
Learning to drive and passing your test gives you a new level of freedom. Being able to drive and take yourself wherever you need to do will make your life a lot easier as you no longer have to rely on other people to get you places. If you are currently learning to drive then you will know how difficult it can be to pass your test. However, there are some tips that can help you along the way. In this article, we will go over some tips and tricks that can assist you in passing your test. Want to know what they are? Keep on reading to find out more.
Once you pass your test, driving in bad weather like rain and snow will be inevitable, so you should take the opportunity to practice this on your test. Most driving instructors will try and get you to drive in bad weather, just so you have some experience, so make sure you take full advantage of that and practice driving when the weather is bad. Although it may seem scary at first, it is much better to get some experience with your instructor first so that you are prepared once you are driving on your own.
Another tip that can help you pass your test is to practice outside of the lessons. Sometimes it can be difficult to book driving lessons, especially if your instructor is super busy, so practicing outside of the lessons can be a good way of keeping up with what you have learnt so far. If you do plan on practicing outside of your lessons and you will be using your own car, then you must ensure you have learner’s insurance. Learner's insurance will help keep you and the other person in the car protected should something go wrong. You can get learner’s insurance in NI from CompareNI.com by going online and checking their quotes.
If you find that taking lessons every few weeks is not enough for you to learn properly, then it could be a good idea to instead take a crash course. A crash course is essentially an intensive driving course which aims to teach you how to drive within a short amount of time. You can book an intensive two-week course that will teach you everything you need to know in a condensed amount of time, which can help you pick up driving a lot easier.
One of the best things you can do to help you pass your test is to study in your spare time. Your theory test is just as important as your practical, so you must make sure that you are revising the test and taking a practice test to help you learn. Although it may not be the most fun way to spend your time, it will end up saving you a lot of money as it means you won’t have to redo your test.
Having the goal of starting a business is great motivation for pursuing a degree. Running your first business, let alone starting one, is not an easy pursuit, and there are plenty of courses available that can improve your chances of success. Whether you’re looking to start your own retail business or one that provides niche services to businesses and other professionals, choosing a good degree to enhance your abilities is extremely useful. To assist you on your journey, we’ve listed four useful degrees that you could consider which will help you start your first business.
This has arguably become the foundation of any great and successful business. As you’ll be aware, marketing is where businesses promote and advertise their products or services to the public, encouraging new demographics to become customers and maintain their current customer base. Marketing is very important for any business, and so having this knowledge and skill as a business owner can give you a great advantage over others. It will allow you to keep tabs on your marketing team and direct it in a way you see fit.
The use of data is a key component to running a business effectively, and knowing what data to gather as well as how to analyse it is crucial. Often, a business owner will employ data analysts in certain departments who will collect and study this data, continuously searching for ways to improve your business and its success. However, this process can be confusing to the untrained eye, and so having the knowledge that a business analytics degree can bring will allow you to better understand this data and how said data can benefit your business. It will allow you to better choose what type of data to study and make use of.
Learning about how to properly manage your money is understandably going to be worthwhile for a business owner. Of course, you could make use of a finance manager or accountant for your business, but understanding this as a business owner is going to be very beneficial as it’ll allow you to keep track of your budgets and the overall finances of your company. You could, for example, complete an online short course in sustainable finance at a reputable university, in which you can learn about different sustainable financial systems and use that newly acquired knowledge to create your own sustainable financial plan for continued, positive returns.
As a business owner, you have a duty of care for your employees, ensuring that they are as happy and healthy in the workplace as possible. However, being fixated on this will distract you from your other responsibilities as a business owner, and this is why it’s so important to have a great human resources team working with you. This allows you to remain confident that employees are being given the attention they deserve without you having to focus all of your attention on them. Of course, it’s also worthwhile having an HR management degree as a business owner, as you’ll be in a better position to precisely understand what your team needs to perform to the best of their abilities. It will also give you a better idea of what your HR team can do and what resources they require to get the best results.
Everyone has a different idea of the perfect Christmas Day. Some people like to get glam and enjoy a formal dinner with the family - while others like to binge-watch movies on the sofa in their PJs. This year, it’s time to make new traditions with these fun and festive Christmas activities.
Here are eight fun and creative ways to enjoy your Christmas day this year.
Christmas dinner is one of the best parts of the holiday season - it's a chance to indulge in all your favourite festive foods. Whether you're tucking into turkey or having a vegan feast, there's no better way to spend your day than enjoying delicious food. Open Christmas cards and presents with mum and dad.
What could be better than getting comfy in some festive pyjamas after lunch? Whether you prefer something traditional like a Santa suit or something more modern like a fun reindeer onesie, wearing something comfy while settling down for an afternoon's entertainment will help get you into the festive spirit.
If you're spending Christmas alone this year, don't forget that technology makes it so easy for us to stay connected with friends and family. Make sure you take some time during the day to give people a call and check in on them - it may be just what they need. Conversations with loved ones while wrapping presents or sending out Christmas cards will fill your heart with joy.
Nothing quite says ‘Christmas Day’ like curling up on the sofa with some hot chocolate and watching classic films such as Miracle on 34th Street or Home Alone. An added bonus is if you watch these films with others over video chat - that way, everyone can enjoy them together.
The holidays are about giving back to those less fortunate than us. You could try donating toys or clothes from your home, helping prepare meals, or writing letters of encouragement for those in need. Anything that brings cheer and hope into someone else’s life will make yours brighter. If you don’t have much money, why not make homemade Christmas cards for mum?
Taking care of yourself is important, too – especially during stressful times like these. After volunteering at a homeless shelter (or making homemade cards), why not treat yourself by taking a break from the festivities and indulging in some self-care? Light some candles around your home and run yourself a hot bubble bath – add in some essential oils for aromatherapy benefits – then relax with soothing music or an audiobook playing softly in the background.
Make this Christmas one to remember with a new activity or your old traditions.
New Year’s Eve is always the best party of the year. With all your nearest and dearest in one room, countless bottles of bubbly flowing, and of course an incredible firework show, the 31st of December is often the next biggest countdown after Christmas. Unsure where to bring in 2023 this year? Look no further than these:
One of the most iconic fireworks displays in the country, the London NYE firework spectacular never disappoints. You have to plan and book in advance to mark your spot right next to the infamous River Thames, but there are also lots of other places where you can view this breathtaking show. Pitch your spot for the evening on Waterloo Bridge, Victoria Embankment and Westminster Bridge. And don’t miss the unforgettable street parties that kick off as soon as Big Ben strikes midnight!
Hogmanay in Scotland is a New Year you won’t forget for a while. With major live music, a host of street parties, and of course, a breath taking firework show, Edinburgh is your guaranteed ticket to bringing in 2023 with a bang. After hitting up Scotland’s capital for a raucous NYE party, why not hire a campervan and enjoy the many lake districts of the country while you nurse your hangover? Just remember to pack some painkillers, warm clothing, and your campervan insurance papers before travelling.
For those based in the North of England, Manchester is often dubbed the country’s equivalent of the captivating capital. Don’t miss the city’s stunning New Year firework show before sampling the great nightlife scene that Manchester has to offer. Overwhelmed by the massive choice of nightlife in the city? Warehouse Project is a great bet for welcoming 2023 with some world-renowned DJs that will certainly make your new year’s party one to remember!
If you’re looking to celebrate New Year's Eve outside of the city, St Ives is a great destination. But just because it’s not a metropolis, doesn’t mean it’s not an amazing party! Tourists mainly flock to St Ives to take in the stunning fireworks display organized every year on St Ives Harbour - there’s something so magical about seeing the show reflected in the magnificent Celtic Sea! New year celebrations in St Ives also include delicious food offerings and the chance to dance the evening away with plenty of other partygoers. What’s not to love?
Finding the ultimate location for the best New Year’s Eve party can be difficult with so many great events on offer. However, you can always count on a good firework show to bring the new year in with a bang! Don’t miss these incredible New Year's Eve fireworks shows in London, Edinburgh, Manchester and St Ives.
So many of us work up to fifty years or more before we retire, so it’s important that we make the most of it when it finally comes around. For most people, this means going on the trips of a lifetime that they didn’t manage to do earlier.
However, with these must-do destinations to tick off in your golden years, you have the perfect excuse to pack a suitcase and head out into the world for a well-earned adventure.
It has to be one of the most awe-inspiring feats of architecture to grace our planet. Standing at an immense 13,000 miles long, there’s little chance that you’ll get to see the whole thing, but simply being close to it, you feel its gravity and power.
What’s most impressive is its age and history. Having reached some 2,300 years old, this wall has seen plenty of things in its time and owes its condition to the tireless work of dedicated conservationists and archaeologists.
The rolling hills of Tuscany have plenty to offer all wine enthusiasts. A dreamy landscape forms the perfect conditions for some of the most delicious, juicy grapes in the whole of Europe. So, you can just imagine the wine you’ll enjoy on your Italy tour!
Endlessly romantic and boasting some of the best weather in Italy, this is the perfect spot to drink your way through some award-winning wines and get a bit giggly whilst doing it.
Standing tall as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza are perfectly befitting their grand title. Made up of three pyramids, all of which house a deceased Pharoah, there’s nothing quite like being in the presence of all the mystic and majesty of Ancient Egypt.
Whilst you’re there, soak in the buzzing metropolis of Egypt, visiting the endless street markets, Coptic Museum, Tahrir Square and sampling some of their famous cuisine.
Easily reachable with a car or train, The Highlands offer a convenient challenge for keen hikers in the UK. The Great Glen Way spans a massive 125 kilometres from Fort William to Inverness. Of course, you can tackle it in sections and choose which parts you can manage.
It’s still quite a drive so make the most of it by ticking off Britain’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, or take a swim in Loch Ness… if you’re brave enough!
A holiday doesn’t need to be a week relaxing on the beach or fighting the crowds at Disneyland. Indeed, sometimes the best holidays involve little more than getting on your feet and exploring the world by foot. The UK has some of the best walking holidays in the world and is full of gorgeous scenery no matter what time of you year you plan to visit. But these are the three dynamite locations we think any wannabe rambler would find it difficult not to be bowled over by.
One of national geographics best of the world destinations for 2023, the Scottish Highlands are a bracing location in the winter but during the summer they offer some of the most stunning scenery in Europe. Visit loch ness and get a selfie with the monster, explore the wealth of castles and medieval architecture still left lingering in the hills and, if you’re feeling particularly brave, walk up Ben Nevis – the highest mountain in the UK.
The best time to visit the highlands is between May and September when the weather is decent and you’ll have enough daylight to see everything you want to see. The Highland Games also take place around this time so why not fit that into your itinerary?
The Lake District has a reputation for being a little more reserved and relaxed than other famous walking destinations. But that doesn’t mean it’s boring. Explore Muncaster, the UK’s most haunted castle, Muncaster Castle, experience the home of gingerbread in Grasmere (and take some home for your loved ones) and take a boat out on the gorgeous Lake Buttermere. If you’re so inclined, you could even try a raft of local ales from award-winning breweries or take a leisurely walk from coast to coast!
There are dozens of guided walks and hundreds of resources dedicated to walking in the Lake District. There are even almost 50 routes mapped out specifically for those with mobility issues. If you are a keen skier, meanwhile, ski season is between November and April!
When people that have never been to England picture it, they first picture London and then they picture the Cotswolds. The endless rolling hills and quaint villages that made up the area make it a favoured destination of foreign travellers but it’s also wealthy with potential walking trails. Visit the most beautiful village in England - Arlington Row and explore all the best traditional English tearooms and manor houses.
You might want to take a car to get around (it’s a surprisingly large region) but we’d recommend simply picking a spot on the map and just getting lost. That’s surely the joy of a walking holiday anyway, right? Just be sure to keep your phone fully charged just in case you end up getting too lost!
With the nights drawing in and the temperature dropping, it can only mean one thing: winter is coming! While the colder months may not seem like the best time to go on holiday, you might be surprised to learn that Europe is full of fun winter-friendly activities. Whether you want to hit the slopes with a ski holiday, enjoy a cultured city break or soak up stunning snowy landscapes, Europe is perfect for a wintertime break. If you’re planning a getaway this winter, consider checking out these cool attractions you can enjoy on the continent:
The beautiful city of Nice was the first in France to pick up the ‘Gay Comfort’ label, so it’s no surprise that it serves as the home for the renowned LGBTQI festival Lou Queernaval. Attracting 10,000 - 15,000 revellers each year, Lou Queernaval is a top European attraction that’s well worth a visit this winter, whatever your sexual preference.
While you might associate Iceland with pickled fish, igloos and trolls, the country is also home to a network of world-famous ice caves and tunnels that serve as the perfect winter treat if you’re planning a getaway. Popular destinations include Katla Ice Cave, Crystal Ice Cave, the Skaftafell Ice Caves and the Langjökull Ice Tunnel.
Situated in the heart of Croatia, the Plitvice National Park is home to some of the most jaw-dropping views you’re likely to see this winter. The Park is home to 16 lakes, where you’ll find the 78-metre-tall waterfall Veliki Slap, the tallest in the country. In the colder months, Veliki Slap’s flowing water freezes, which makes for some seriously impressive wintertime snaps for the gram.
The snowy season is perfect for skiing. If you’re looking for the ideal location for a ski holiday this year, consider taking a trip to Andorra, a skiing paradise nestled between France and Spain in the Pyrenees. The country is famed for its quality ski resorts and stunning picture-postcard views.
If you’re thinking of whisking the family away for a festive treat this winter, there’s no other European getaway that’ll get you more into the Christmas Spirit than the Nuremberg Christmas Market (Christkindlesmarkt). Whether you’re shopping for gifts or sampling Bratwurst sausages, Spekulatius almond biscuits and German gingerbread, you’re sure to get that festive feeling at this iconic Christmas market, which is one of the oldest in the world.
While Budapest is well-established as a popular location with British stags and city-breakers, its status as a winter wonderland is pretty underrated. The city is a great place to unwind in the colder months - if you feel the need to warm up when you’re visiting, consider taking a dip in the beautiful Szechenyi Thermal Baths, a top winter location in the heart of City Park.
Winter is right around the corner and for anyone in need to an escape from reality, it’s the ideal time to plan a getaway. When the days and evenings are so dark, it’s easy to get stuck in a slump, which is why it’s important to take yourself away from the same mundane routine and shake it up with a fun-filled staycation every once in a while.
Whether you head there by train or taken out insurance for the day so you can venture further afield, you can expect lots of replenishing adventures ahead of you. Without further ado, here are three suggestions for your next winter escape.
The famous Viking city is a sight to behold in the wintertime. From the towering York Minster to the flowing River Ouse and winding historic streets, it can feel like a true escape. The Shambles is the city’s most famous street – walk along the cobbles and you’ll find everything from tea shops to vintage stores and even the famous The Shop That Must Not Be Named, selling Harry Potter merch.
If you want to warm up with tea and cake, head into Betty’s Tearoom. Established in 1919, this tearoom has a rich history of delicious baked goods and afternoon teas. Finally, let your food go down with a wander around the historic city walls – just make sure you wrap up warm!
The Scottish capital has plenty to offer at this time of year, with comfortable pubs and eateries aplenty to keep you toasty. The city itself is home to Edinburgh Castle, which looks extra mighty against a harsh wintery sky, especially against the winding streets, which feel as though you’re walking through a bygone era. Keep an eye out for any outdoor markets while you wonder around.
If you happen to be in the city for Burns Night on the 25th January, you can indulge in poetry and whisky, plus plenty of haggis, neeps and tatties. There’s nothing like a Burns Night jig to warm you up!
Bath is an iconic winter destination. In its maze of historic streets, you’ll find plenty of quirky independents, from gift shops to cosy drinking dens. They offer a much welcome escape from the winter chill, but once you’ve wrapped up and you’re ready to face the elements, there’s lots of exploring to be done.
You can go ice skating near Royal Victoria Park and visit the famous Roman baths. If you’re inspired to seek out some R&R yourself, head over to Thermae Bath Spa. Here, you can warm yourself to the core in naturally warm, mineral-rich waters.
Do you have any winter staycation suggestions you’d like to add to the list? Leave your comments down below!
It’s that time of the year where many of us have already planned staycation. Christmas holidays brings many exciting things along with it like lots of shopping, setting off on long trips, meeting with loved ones and many more. Hence, it’s a busy driving season for a lot of people. Drivers should make sure that their vehicle is in good condition and tyres are fitted properly before setting off on long journey. Here in this article, quick guide is explained to make your car’s tyres ready for Christmas.
Through checkup of Tyres
Christmas brings a lot of gifts with it. If you are driving a heavily laden vehicle, then there will be a lot of stress on your tyres. Make sure to give a thorough check to your tyres before setting off on your journey. Keep an eye on tears, bubbles, cuts, and bulges in the sidewall. These can reduce the damage to the sidewall and helps to keep your journey hassle-free.
Check Tyre Pressure of your tyres
It’s a vital thing to check your tyres pressure regularly. This key activity not only prolongs the life of tyres it also makes sure that you and your family are safe on road. Especially in winter, tyre inflation requires major attention due to strict weather conditions. It could cause a fatal accident if tyres are under-inflated and traveling at high speed at that time. So try to keep your tyres at optimal inflation level, and thoroughly check your tyre pressure before going on the long drive.
Check Tyre Tread
It is as important to check tyre tread as tyre pressure of the vehicle. We think that it's only breaks that make car to stop when necessary, but no, it is the grip of tyres. Tyres tread is the only part of a vehicle that makes contact with the road. Therefore it is necessary to keep them in good condition and according to the legal requirement. The legal limit is 1.6mm in the UK.
To measure it, you can use the tread depth indicator. But, if you do not have this equipment available then simply grab a 20p coin and insert it in the tread grove. If the outer edge of the coin is visible, then it’s time for a tyre replacement.
If you are planning to buy new pair of tyres, this season then check out Dartford Tyres and book new tyres online at the best prices with free professional fitting.
Travelling can be an eye-opening and life-changing experience, so it is easy to see why people of all ages plan adventurous expeditions to places all over the world. The difficulty is that travel can be very expensive, especially if you are planning a long trip and costs can quickly spiral. With this in mind, this article will offer a few tips to save money on travelling that will help make it more affordable while still ensuring that you have an incredible adventure.
First, you should plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to prepare and get your money in order. It is a good idea to set up a savings account specifically for your trip so that you can top this up in the run-up to your trip so that you have enough to cover the costs during your time away. You can even earn a little extra with a savings account by earning money on the interest.
One of the major expenses when travelling is accommodation. The good news is that there are always ways to make savings on your accommodation, which could make a big difference when it comes to the total cost of your trip. Instead of booking into hotels, take a look at hostels as these are much cheaper and can be a great way to meet new people. Sofa surfing is another good way to make savings on your accommodation. You do not have to stay in a hostel or sofa surf for every night while you are away, but opting for one of these options instead of checking into an expensive hotel will be a smart way to make savings.
You will find that haggling is not only accepted but often expected in many places overseas, so you want to brush up on your skills before you leave. It might be intimidating at first, but you can have some fun with haggling once you have done it a few times and it is amazing the savings that you can make when you know how to strike a good deal. Of course, you cannot haggle on everything, but there will be many purchases where you should haggle, such as shopping at a market or buying a souvenir.
The advice in this post should help you to make savings for your big adventure. Travel can enrich your life in many ways and it is something that everyone can benefit from, but the costs can be high when travelling, particularly if you are going away for a long time. There are always ways to make savings, though, with the above being a few of the best options that could make a big difference to your travel finances.
It’s no surprise that Paris is one of the most-visited cities in the world year after year; the city is host to some of the most well-known attractions in the world and boasts picturesque views for keen photographers to take advantage of. There’s so much to do here in Paris, meaning it can be difficult to produce an ample itinerary if you are staying here for a shorter duration. Here, we relieve you of this dilemma, providing some of our favourite suggestions when planning a trip to Paris.
One of the most popular experiences in Paris is to take a cruise along the Seine. Depending on what you expect from your trip, there are multiple options available - you can choose between a sightseeing cruise, a dinner cruise or a lunch cruise. This is a fantastic way to see Paris in a short timeframe, with most tours taking you past landmarks like Notre Dame Cathedral and the Louvre. Other famous buildings and bridges can be seen from the river, allowing visitors to gain some good insight into the history of the city and its impressive architecture. Deciding on the right tour for you can be difficult given the surfeit of options, so it’s best you carefully look at the reviews left for each tour to find some recommendations before you decide to book.
If you don’t visit the Eiffel Tower during your trip to Paris, then you haven’t done it properly. The iconic monument was first constructed in the 1880s for the World Fair in 1889. At first, the majority of the population actually disliked the design, which may seem surprising given it is now one of the most recognised buildings in the whole of the world. Word of advice, get here early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds, as it can become busy later on. You can also choose to scale the Eiffel Tower and experience the panoramic views from the top – do note that this should be booked beforehand, especially if you are wanting a guided tour.
This is one of the best locations in Paris to attend a wine-tasting class or be served an assortment of the finest wines and cheese France has to offer. The selection here changes weekly, meaning each outing is unique and a brand-new experience in itself. The servers here are highly generous with their measurements and the selection of food is more than plentiful. The ideal time to visit would be during lunchtime, as the menu is typically cheaper and you can discover the history of wine-making in France.
Whilst an excursion through the sewers in Paris may not seem like the luxury experience you had in mind; it’s not what you’d expect. The sewers are perfectly safe for visitors and are much more sanitary than they were a few centuries ago. Not far from the Eiffel Tower, the tunnels beneath the city tell the tale of how modern-day Paris came to be. Prior to an efficient drainage system, waste from the area seeped into the river and polluted the area, leaving the citizens there at risk of developing disease. Once these issues were trounced, the health of the residents improved and trade increased, leading to the development of the city we see today.
All that’s left to do now is organise your Paris airport transfer for when you arrive and book your accommodation – whilst transport in the city is fairly easy to use and frequent, finding somewhere to stay in the centre of the city will ensure you are able to spend more time exploring Paris. Have you been to Paris before and would recommend other places to visit? Let us know in the comments!
