Glamping holidays have become increasingly popular across the globe and appeal to those who would no more consider sleeping in a flimsy tent in a field, than flying to the moon.

Many people shun camping holidays because of the anticipated discomfort and lack of home-from-home comforts.  They may adore the great outdoors, but quiver at the thought of camping “Bear Grylls style”.

However today there is a simple answer – opt for glamping holidays!

1. What Are Glamping Holidays?

Glamping holidays allow you to enjoy all the wilderness has to offer but without sacrificing any comfort. Put simply – It’s glamorous camping and you’ll find yourself holidaying in comfort, or even downright luxury!

Whether you choose an idyllic tree house high up amongst the birds, or a 5 star luxury pod with hot tub and champagne on arrival, you are sure to have a wonderful experience.

2. Types of Glamping Holidays

2.1 Domes – Great For Families And Groups

Domes or bell tents are a great choice for families. They are generally more spacious inside compared to other options because they have a single, central support with the walls being held securely by tension cables pegged to the ground. This space is great for bigger groups and all the extras kids bring on holiday.

The kids will be entertained as there are lots of things to do from exploring the surrounding woodland to building a secret den. Most domes feature a wood burning stove inside to ensure a cosy night. with a fire pit and BBQ outside to cook meals al fresco. And most excitingly, you will usually find all the mod cons you’d expect from a hotel – from Egyptian cotton sheets right through to SKY TV!

2.2 Tree houses – Great for Individuals And Couples

A tree house stay is a wonderful experience to get up close and personal with nature. You will have a fantastic view point for the surrounding area, plenty of privacy and the added extra thrill of sleeping above the ground. Perhaps this option isn’t for the faint hearted – the access is usually a ladder although some sites do offer suspension bridges.

Tree houses generally come in 2 types:

1. A traditional small house built in the trees’ natural branches.

2. A solid structure that is built high up on stilts, usually offering a perfect 360 degree view across the landscape.

Glamping holidays in treehouses normally include hardwood floors, comfortable beds, cable TV and all the added extras to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

2.3 Pods – Great For Families And Groups

“Pods” is the rather understated name for wooden cabins which are fully insulated and come in a variety of shapes – armadilla, cylindrical, hobbit – as well as various sizes. The top of the range pods are equipped with proper beds, a small kitchen area with hob, fridge, microwave and kettle, a TV and patio furniture to sit outside when the weather is kind. Some of the more luxurious versions also have a toilet and handbasin inside; on other glamping sites you’ll have to use the public facilities.

2.4 Wigwams – Great For Families And Groups

Inspired by the Native American design of a dome-shaped dwelling, glamping wigwams may be wooden or canvas. The timber structures are similar to pods in terms of design and durability. Opt for wooden if you require a little more luxury – they have insulation, double glazed windows, a kitchenette, dining area, TV and electrical sockets. And the very best ones have en-suite facilities too.

2.5 Tipis – Great For A Luxury Tent Experience

These pre-pitched tents tent to be more traditional in that they are made from wooden poles and cotton canvas covers and so give a great sense of being back-to-nature. Some even have a vent at the top so you can lit a campfire when you’re inside. From the outside, they appear little more than a tall, elongated tent, and are a less luxurious option than some of the others mentioned above. However they are often furnished in a quirky style, with bright prints, soft carpets, a generous mattress and even heating. Furthermore their spacious interiors ensure you don’t feel cramped as is so often the case with a traditional 2 man tent.

These are just a selection of the many types of glamping accommodation options available all over the UK today. They are absolutely ideal if you want to get closer to nature, enjoy a camping experience but aren’t prepared to forgo your little luxuries!

What else is mankind destroying now, I hear you ask. Oh just the planet – and everything that lives in it.

The destructive effect of the palm oil industry has been highlighted in recent years. Its extraction and production is associated with deforestation, habitat dilapidation, climate change, animal abuse and the displacement of indigenous people in the countries where it is farmed, such as Borneo and Indonesia. This is because unscrupulous companies are, often illegally, burning forests and land to make room for the development of palm oil plantations.

So many people are understandably frustrated that palm oil continues to be used in so many products we use on a daily basis.

What Is Palm Oil

Palm oil is derived from the fruits of trees called African oil palms. The trees, which originally came from west and south-west Africa, were brought to Indonesia and Malaysia in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

African oil palms grow naturally in tropical rainforest regions, but due to excessive demand from large corporations, they also are being planted and farmed purposefully to produce more palm oil.

What Is Palm Oil Used For?

Tens of millions of tonnes of palm oil is produced each year and accounts for around 30% of the world’s entire vegetable oil production. It is found in around 50% of household products in the UK, such as confectionary, baked produce, cosmetics, toothpaste and cleaning agents – to name but a few.  Make no mistake – palm oil is a big and lucrative business.

Why Is Palm Oil So Controversial?

Palm oil is relatively cheap, commands a high yield and is a versatile crop so it’s no wonder corporations love it. However, the World Wildlife Fund estimates an area roughly the size of 300 football pitches of rainforest is cleared every hour of every day to allow room for palm oil production. Wow – that is well and truly off the scale.

Due to the magnitude and impact of deforestation, many species will be pushed to extinction. Pictures of orangutans and Sumatran tigers are synonymous with mentions of palm oil and there’s a valid reason for this: if deforestation continues at the rate it is, the orangutan will become extinct in less than 10 years and the Sumatran tiger will be extinct in three years’ time.

What Can We Do About This Atrocity?

An atrocity, it certainly is. We have to stop buying products from companies that demand excessive amounts of palm oil and have no issue with unsustainable farming methods when there are alternatives on offer. After all, much like the ivory trade, if there was no demand for it, then this destruction wouldn’t be happening.

But It’s Everywhere!!

Let’s face it, it is very difficult to avoid palm oil completely in products we buy. Sometimes it isn’t even stated as “palm oil” on the label. Other words for palm oil include: Aluminium Stearate and Oleic Acid. There are actually approximately 200 alternative names for palm oil so. The best thing is to do a web search on any ingredients you’re not sure of.

It’s All About Education

We need to educate ourselves on how, we as consumers, are contributing to this mass destruction of wildlife, the abuse of indigenous people who are forced to move out of their homes because the land is literally being burned down, and the detrimental impact upon climate change due to the harmful emissions through the burning of the land.

Put simply: as people become more environmentally aware, the more businesses will have to adopt more sustainable farming methods because people will not buy their irresponsibly and illegally sourced products.

Are There Any Sustainable Farming Methods?

Yes, there are. The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has certified more than 20 percent of the global palm oil supply. This means that this palm oil has been produced through methods that preserve natural resources and safeguards the forests and rivers that wildlife inhabits.

It’s entirely possible for companies to use palm oil that has been sustainably produced or to use another type of vegetable oil. Both alternatives will cost the companies more which would then be passed to the consumer, but I’m sure we wouldn’t mind paying a little bit more for those corn chips or toothpaste if we know orangutans have not lost their habitat and their lives due to its production.

To view a list of sustainable companies and products, take a look at The Act For Wildlife website.

How Can We Help?

Keep an eye out for the RSPO label on a product, which confirms that it contains palm oil derived from sustainable sources. Also check for the Green Palm logo. Proceeds from Green Palm assist growers to pay for the transition to sustainable oil. So, if a product contains palm oil but these labels are nowhere to been seen on the packaging, don’t buy it.

The power we have through social media use and our spending choices has never been greater. We must use these powers to put an end to the demand and use of negligently and unsustainably sourced palm oil.

So what is the problem with palm oil?

Its unsustainable and unscrupulous farming methods are just one of the reflections we have of our consumer-driven society. Intense factory-farming and global warming are just a couple of others. This world will not change until we change. We must educate ourselves and then others and not fuel unsustainable farming methods with our poor choices when spending. We can do this!

Working in the corporate world, I know that if women want to get ahead in their career, they need to dress appropriately. I don’t want to be viewed as some floozy with half a brain, just because I’m showing off my cleavage in a revealing blouse (even if it is Balmain). I also don’t want to look tatty in a bobbled suit from Topshop that I’ve had for years. That’ll never do for where I want to be in my career.

Like most women, I want to get ahead in my career because of my intelligence and ambition. But there’s no denying that what you wear says a lot about you – in whatever sector you work – and especially if you’re a woman.

Think of some of the most powerful women in the world:  our current PM, The Queen, Angela Merkel to name but a few… and not a hint of cleavage in sight. They make sure they’re listened to rather than gawped at.  They’re viewed as brains and not as commodities. And they dress appropriately in, more often than not, designer pieces.

Looking around the office, I noticed that some of my high achieving colleagues look so polished and professional all the time, portraying an expertly designer-clad corporate image, and I wondered – could I really justify buying designer outfits for work? Or will high-street items offer the same investment in self – confidence?

Choose Wisely

You could be a corporate director, a startup CEO, trying to climb that corporate ladder or perhaps just about to begin your first job. Whatever your situation, adorning designer pieces can help you smash that ceiling – and help you feel pretty damn good whilst doing so.

But it is important to get the look right.  There are some beautiful Stella McCartney silk jumpsuits out there at the moment, but don’t go prancing into the office wearing the bright green one if you want to be taken seriously.  Wear this daring ensemble to a squiffy lunch with the girls instead.  For an important client meeting, or just an ordinary day in the office, choose a more understated navy blue one and team with a pair of nude Manolos.

Invest in timeless, classic pieces such as a Chanel tweed suit, a YSL tuxedo, a Burberry trench or Max Mara camel coat. As far as bags go, you can’t go wrong with the classic Chanel 2.5 or a Hermes Birkin. And a Rolex won’t fail to impress.

A big no-no for work-wear is a low-cut top or a very short skirt. Even in Lanvin. Why pay thousands of pounds to look cheap?

I don’t have to tell you that in this male-dominated corporate world, some men view women as eye-candy and not as professional equals.  Don’t play into their hands with your choice of outfit, designer or otherwise. You want to progress for what’s in your head, not what’s in your bra.

Fake It Till You Make It

Perhaps you’re not able to splash the cash on designer pieces just yet, but you want to give the impression to others that you can. So how do you go about this? My advice is to fake it till you make it, honey.

Follow my points below to look beautifully polished without having to wear designer:

Buy Quality

You can buy some lovely quality pieces that won’t break the bank and still look as though you’ve shelled out and invested in yourself. What does L’oreal say again? “Because you’re worth it…” Aww no, too annoying, but you get my drift.

Splash out on those outwardly visible accessories such as your pen, diary and watch. Carry a Mont Blanc pen, a Smythson diary (both around £250) and wear a Gucci watch (around £500) – then it will be assumed that the Zara suit you’re wearing is Tom Ford. And that you’re a high flier because you’ve worked hard to buy these expensive pieces, and have a big brain under all that beautifully coiffured hair. But most of all, you’ve invested in yourself as you know your worth.

Imitate Slightly But Don’t Full-On Copy

The high street produces some wonderful specific pieces that imitate designer ones, but if I’m going to buy high-street, I prefer to buy pieces that imitate a designer’s signature look, rather than a specific item. This approach is just a little bit more, well, sophisticated, and doesn’t scream COPYCAT to anyone who can tell that your top is actually Monsoon and not Gucci. You don’t want to try too hard to look designer.

Sheerluxe, a wonderfully revered online lifestyle magazine, offers some fabulous tips on looking like a Chloe–cladded goddess when your budget is high-street, which include:

• ditching coats for capes (not in the midst of winter, that’d be madness),
• investing in cinnamon and blush–coloured pieces (Chloe creates lots in these colours)
• wearing some gorgeous floaty dresses (weather – dependent, obvs).

Face It

There’s no denying that wearing beautifully-cut designer pieces will give you confidence and will positively affect how you carry yourself. However, don’t underestimate the power of a slick of lip gloss and a dash of mascara. You don’t have to wear full makeup every day to feel good about yourself but lip gloss and mascara are THE staples (and a touch of blush and concealer). Just a little goes a long way and won’t take long to do – in fact ditching the heavy full makeup approach can save you 15 minutes each day so you have time for a little Costa visit.

Walk With Confidence

Even if you’re terrified inside (although if you’re wearing Balenciaga, this is pretty much impossible), walk tall, smile and look friendly. You don’t want to appear aloof or pretentious but there is a fine line.  The good news is, the more you act confidently, the easier it is to actually become confident. And who knows, one day, you’ll be striding up and down that office in your authentic Chloe flowing dress, Louboutins and Rolex and you’ll be on your way up that ladder (not a ladder in the literal sense of course – you should NEVER climb ladders in Louboutins!)

Every day you’re marketing a really special and ambitious brand: YOU. If you want to be taken seriously and get ahead at work, you need to project a professional and polished image and sometimes, only designer pieces will do. However, if you’re not quite there yet financially, invest in those high street quality staples and soon you’ll be buying the real deals. The golden rule is whether you’re wearing designer or high street: don’t show off too much flesh!

Take a look at our fabulous article on How Women Should Dress For Success In The Workplace for advice on how to be taken seriously in the workplace.

Like many other busy career-orientated people, I don’t have time to be ill!  I can’t afford the time it’s likely to take to get a diagnosis, the time to wait for treatment or surgery, nor the time to recuperate afterwards. No, absolutely not. If you’re running your own business or climbing the corporate ladder it’s fair to say that your health is your wealth. And let’s not overlook busy stay-at-home mums: if they become ill, the smooth management of the kids and household will simply grind to a halt.

However we all get ill sometimes and may require surgical intervention or specialised treatment at some point, but waiting times on the NHS can be as long as 18 weeks. There is no way I could wait that long – and then face the possibility the treatment could be cancelled at the last minute.

I’m fit and well at the moment, but it won’t always be that way. I need to insure not only my health, but my livelihood, too. So this got me thinking… I wonder whether private health insurance is worth it – or is it a pricey add-on I could do without?

Say What?!

Let’s take a look at the stats. Do you know how many people in the UK have private health insurance? It’s roughly 10.5% of the population, so just under 4 million people. Yet around half the UK adult population has life insurance. Clearly people are more concerned with their death than keeping healthy when alive!

You insure important assets in your life such as your car and house, so why not insure your most important asset of all – your health? You need to look after yourself so that you can look after everything (and everyone) else.

This is where private health insurance can be a literal life-saver, and is beneficial for people who are accustomed to the finer things in life.

What Is Private Health Insurance?

Private health insurance (also known as medical insurance) can cover all aspects from diagnosis to treatment (if you opt for a comprehensive plan), or can be combined with what’s already available on the NHS (if you opt for a basic plan). Some lucky employees have health insurance as part of their employee benefits package. However, those that don’t can set up their own insurance plan and pay monthly premiums.

What Does It Offer?

Depending on the insurance cover you opt for, it:

• Pays most (if not all) of your medical bills if you receive treatment privately.
• Offers a choice in the level of care you receive and how and when it is provided.

What’s Covered?

All types of insurance offer different levels of cover and private health insurance is no different.

For instance, basic private medical insurance will normally cover the costs of in-patient treatments, including tests and surgery including day-care surgery.

Invest in a more comprehensive policy, and you’ll be covered for out-patient treatments requiring the expertise of specialists and consultants, and some even pay out an amount for each overnight stay in an NHS hospital.

Take Bupa’s Comprehensive Insurance, for example. This policy offers Bupa’s greatest cover which includes:

• cover for investigations, scans and consultations necessary to ascertain the problem and reach a diagnosis using blood tests, CT, MRI and PET scans.
• cover for any treatment you might need as a result of the diagnosis – from out-patient treatments like physiotherapy through to in-patient surgery.

Bupa also offers another, more affordable policy called Treatment and Care where you’d be diagnosed by the NHS but go on to have treatment privately. It’s important to note that this policy doesn’t cover most pre and post-treatment diagnosis and testing, hence the cheaper premiums.

What’s Not Covered

In most cases, private healthcare insurance won’t cover treatment for:

• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Injuries sustained through dangerous sports
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Cosmetic surgery to boost appearance
• Organ transplants
• Chronic illnesses such as those associated with HIV / AIDs, epilepsy, hypertension and diabetes (note that even if you are diagnosed with a “chronic” illness after you take out the policy, it still won’t be covered under the policy).

Advantages Of Private Health Insurance

There are differences in levels of cover but generally the main advantages are:

• Provision of Specialist referrals: Once you’ve been to see your NHS GP, you can request a referral to an expert or specialist working in a private capacity should you want a second opinion or specialist treatment.
• Shorter waiting times: This is the reason why many people opt for private health insurance: the shorter waiting times for treatment, compared with NHS.
• You have more choice: In most cases, you can choose the surgeon and the hospital you stay in, which isn’t possible in the NHS.
• Further scans: If you’ve been declined a scan by the NHS or there are delays, private health insurance will usually cover the price of your scan.
• Access to specialist drugs and treatments:  There are some specialist drugs and treatments that aren’t available on the NHS because they’re very expensive. Private health insurance will usually cover the cost of these drugs and treatments.
• Speedier physiotherapy:  You’ll get physiotherapy sessions quicker than you would with insurance than through the NHS.

It’s just a lot nicer, to be frank: No one wants to be in hospital, but if you have to be there, you might as well have a bit of luxury. Private healthcare is great for those who are accustomed to the finer things and don’t want to compromise with their healthcare setting or the treatment they receive. You’ll get a private room so won’t have to stay on a ward.

The Disadvantages

• It’s costly– and the price will increase: Bought By Many researched their ‘typical buyer’ (a healthy 33 year old, living in the South East) and ran their details by the four largest UK health insurers – Aviva, AXA, Bupa and Vitality. Prices came back between £23 and £35 a month, so around £276 and £420 per year. However, prices will rise each year, with age or possibly if you have made any claims. Also, to give you an idea about a family premium, (two adults in their 40s and two children under 10), this can vary widely – from £700 to £1,650 per year.
• It’s possible you’ll be seen sooner with the NHS: People with serious illnesses such as heart disease or cancer receive priority NHS treatment.

Pre-existing and chronic illnesses aren’t normally covered: diabetes and cancer, for example, as they’re deemed as chronic, will not usually covered by private health insurance policies, and neither are illnesses that are pre-existing to you taking out the policy.

How To Get The Best Price

Check comparison sites such as Moneysupermarket and GoCompare to get a benchmark quote – then contact a broker to see if they can offer a better one.

Make sure the broker is a member of the Association of Medical Insurers and Intermediaries, which is the trade association for independent medical insurance advisers.

So Is Private Health Insurance Worth It?

For the average, healthy thirty-something, paying a premium equivalent to a monthly manicure or phone contract is no big deal – and what you get for your money is pretty impressive if you do need to use your insurance.  Just remember, the premiums will increase with age, so do be prepared to shell out a little more each year.

Insurance will be of great value if you require specialist and expensive treatment, but not so if you develop a chronic illness where a policy may cover you for investigations into the diagnosis, but if you’re diagnosed with a chronic illness, then you won’t be covered for its treatment.

So, yes, there are some exclusions to every policy, but for those, (for now) we still have the NHS to call on.

But if your time and being comfortable in your surrounding are exceedingly important to you, then taking out a private health insurance policy is a no-brainer.

Remember, you’re not only insuring your health, you’re insuring your wealth.

A few years ago, it was thought that organic food was consumed by only the wealthy and by hippies. But now, most of us realise the benefits of eating organically for our health and the environment. The latest Organic Market report shows that sales for organic produce are booming – there’s been a 6% growth of organic food and drink in the UK during the past year.

So What Does ‘Organic’ Mean?

The Department for Agriculture and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) states that:

‘Organic food is the product of a farming system which avoids the use of man-made fertilisers, pesticides; growth regulators and livestock feed additives. Irradiation and the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or products produced from or by GMOs are generally prohibited by organic legislation.’

When it’s put like that, it makes you wonder why all food in general is not organic.

What’s Organic Farming?

When we talk about ‘organic farming’, generally we mean few or no artificial fertilisers on the land, the prohibited use of antibiotics in rearing animals for their meat and better animal welfare as organic farms keep their animals in more natural and free conditions.

Evidence shows that there are more vitamins, minerals and omega-3s in most organic produce. Some organic fruit and veg have higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants, and all have lower levels of pesticide residues and metals.

How Do We Know It’s Organic?

A minimum of 95% of its ingredients must be derived from organically-produced plants or animals if a food item is to be labelled as organic. Approval from an organic certification body is required and they perform regular inspections to make sure the strict regulations associated with the production methods and labelling are adhered to.

You can look for labels like the Soil Association on food packaging and most foods that are organic will clearly state so on the label.

Why Is Organic Food More Expensive?

Most organic produce tends to be more expensive mainly due to:

• Higher labour costs because of organic farming methods
• Typically lower yields
• Organic feed for the animals tends to be more expensive

However, organic produce is arguably far superior in quality and is tastier than products grown with chemicals. I am sure you wouldn’t mind paying that bit extra for better quality, nourishing food.

Keeping The Cost Down

It is possible to buy organic produce without it costing the earth.

I’ll tell you how…

• Buy directly from a farmer or producer, either via a farmers’ markets or a farmshop. Buying local, organic food will often cost less than the non-organic equivalent.
• You can get fab, and sometimes discounted, deals from food delivery companies such as HelloFresh.
• If you can’t buy organic food directly from the producer, then the supermarket it may have to be. But do shop around. It’s worth noting that some organic products cost less than premium range non-organic products.
• If your budget doesn’t allow a full organic diet, then prioritise the organic produce you can buy. Products such as organic bread, butter, flour, milk and seasonal produce are relatively cheap compared to other organic produce like meat.
• If you’re buying just a few organic products, you may choose organic alternatives to the foods that are the most harmful when conventionally produced. According to campaigning charity Pesticide Action Network the fruit and veg that have highest levels of pesticide residue are:

• Oranges
• Lemons and limes
• Pears
• Grapes
• Apples
• Pre-packed salads
• Bananas
• Spring greens
• Kale
• Herbs
• Spinach
• Cucumber

Plus, the following foods have high levels of pesticides:

• Wheat
• Rice
• Flour
• Bread

Grow Your Own

For the ultimate “Good Life”, grow your own. It’s cheap and you know what you’re eating.  Doesn’t matter if you live in a flat or have a country manor, there are options available for you to produce your very own organic food.

Take a look at these really useful tips for growing your own organic garden.

Alternatively, why not think about getting an allotment? Don’t you know that it’s the place to be and that all the hipsters are doing it nowadays? They’re not in the swanky wine bars at the weekend now. No, they’re in their local allotment tending to their lovingly-grown organic array of delights.

You might have heard it’s difficult to actually get an allotment. On the whole, yes, it is. Quite often, you’ll have to apply for a plot. But once you have one, you’ll be the envy of all who know you.

The cost of an allotment is approximately £110 annually for a 250 square metre plot and there’s sometimes a 50% discount if you are over 60.

Are You Convinced Yet?

Choosing organic produce over conventionally-produced counterparts is getting more and more habitual for most people. People want to think ethically about where their food has come from and if that means that they’re ingesting negligible chemicals, the environment is not being damaged and the livestock they eat have had better lives, then it’s a small price they’re willing to pay.

Useful Websites

 Soil Association

Apply For An Allotment

Benefits Of Organic Food

The best times to visit countries are not the same the world over. For example, if you’ve ever considered booking a once-in-a-lifetime holiday to the Caribbean, you may have noticed it’s significantly cheaper between June and November. There’s a good reason for this and it’s all to do with the climate.

If you want the typical idyllic Caribbean holiday lounging by the pool, snorkelling in the clear blue sea and snoozing on sandy white beaches, it may be hit and miss during the June to November hurricane season. Try to snooze on the beach during hurricane season and you’ll end up looking like Worzel Gummidge!  It’s better to cough up a bit more hard-earned cash and go between December and April when the Caribbean slightly cooler (particularly in the northern Caribbean), drier and less humid, although this is when most tourists visit. You can’t blame people yearning to escape the northern hemisphere winter!

So, let’s have a look at a selection of countries within each continent to discover the best times of year to visit…

Europe

Austria

The best time to visit the beautiful and geographically diverse country of Austria April, May, September or October. These months shoulder the typically very hot summer months which can also see prices for accommodation in a city like Vienna, sky-rocket. But if you’re looking to ski in the Austrian Alps, the best times to visit would be end of November through to the beginning of April.

Jersey

Jersey is one of the lesser well-known treasures in Europe. Just nine miles by five, this island attracts scores of visitors each year but numbers start to dwindle off around mid-September to mid-October and so do prices on the island, too. The sea is at its warmest during these months and you can still bask in the beautiful sunshine and comfortably explore the wonder of this island. The summer months of July, August and September can be stiflingly hot and busy.

South America

Peru

The best time to visit Peru is any time outside of the rainy season which is between January and March. If you’re looking to trek Machu Picchu, then then best months are April through to October, but remember, July and August can get very crowded at the attraction. Take a look at our insider’s view for some really useful tips.

Brazil

March to November are typically dry months, and December to February are generally the wet months in Southern Brazil. Temperatures can feel cool from June to September, although the rainforest areas, Pantanal and the Amazon. are warm and humid all year round. To learn more about Brazil, we’ve created a wonderful guide about Brazil’s traveller’s delights.

North America

Florida

Many travellers claim the best time to visit Florida is Easter where the weather is warm but not too hot for visiting the bustling major theme parks and glorious beaches. The summer months (June-August) can be stifling hot, especially for younger travellers. Hurricane season is from June to November, so it’s advisable to avoid that time period.

Canada

Like Europe, the summer months are most popular for visitors. Here you’ll find an abundance of sunny days with pleasant temperatures. The spring starts in late April and lasts until early June and can be a wonderful time of year to witness the wake of Canadian wildlife from their winter hibernation. September is the peak of the salmon run which in turn attracts large numbers of bears and the stunning foliage emerging to mark the beginning of autumn is especially special to experience.

Australia

Sydney

The best times to visit Sydney are September through to November and from March to May. These months offer comfortable temperatures and some relief from the huge tourist crowds. Plus, airline and accommodation prices fall accordingly. Sydney’s hottest weather, and peak tourist season, is between December and February with the region’s low tourist season being May through to August.

Perth

On the other side of Australia in Perth, the best time to visit is September, October or November when the city is awash with the vibrant colours and aromas of spring. and the bright sunny days are unbroken by rain. December to February is Perth’s summertime and it enjoys balmy (and often scorching) temperatures. Looking for a little cooler holiday? Try March when it is still very warm, but a little less busy at Perth’s glorious beaches.

Africa

The best time to visit Africa shifts from south to east to north, depending on rainfall and wildlife. In Kruger National Park, the winter dry season falls between May and October when game viewing is at its best, but to catch East Africa’s Great Migration, you’ll need to travel between June and early September.

Cape Town

Late January to late April is often regarded as the best time for a Cape Town beach holiday. This is when the weather is dry and warm and the sea is tranquil (although watch out for those Great Whites!). April to August is usually very wet, with rainfall peaking during June and July. September is the beginning of spring and Cape Town is extraordinarily stunning at this time.

Zimbabwe

If you’re looking to view some of Zimbabwe’s enthralling wildlife, the dry May to October winter season is ideal; mild temperatures, negligible rainfall and low malaria risk. September and October can be scorching hot, however, so the earlier on in the season, the better.

Asia

Japan

March to May (late spring) and September to November (late autumn) are often regarded as the best months to see Japan. The skies are clear, temperatures are mild and you’ll experience the delicate cherry blossom of the spring or the vibrant abundance of autumn leaves respectively. Read our article to learn how to visit Japan’s magical city of Tokyo without breaking the bank.

Maldives

November and April are the most popular months to visit the Maldives, although many say May to November is the best time to visit this idyllic island. Then you’ll find it less crowded and you’ll bag the best prices for accommodation. However, you may experience some rain, but it is quite magical bathing in the beautiful Indian Ocean with the raindrops pattering around you.

Antarctica

Of all continents, Antarctica has the least visitors – about 4,000 people per year. Considering there are no countries and no permanent human residents, this number is not surprising. Visitors are attracted to Antarctica because of the wildlife and the best time to visit is between November and March when the sun rises above the horizon and penguins begin hatching. In February / March, you’re most likely to spot whales. Just remember to pack those thermals….

The best times to visit countries is different depending on your preferred destination. But wherever and whenever you want to go, and whatever you want to do, there’s always somewhere in this wonderful world to satisfy your curious appetite.

What better gift to bestow on your beloved offspring than the gift of money? No, you won’t have to pop your clogs before they receive it; this isn’t inheritance. This is a gift of matured money that you save for them over the years so that they can use it when they are older: for their university education, first car or perhaps even a deposit for a home. You can even get your child involved with saving at an early age so that they have an awareness of the value of money.

So where do you start? Here are some products to help you start saving for your child.

Children’s Savings Accounts

The most popular form of saving for a child is a savings account.

How Do They Work?

You can open an account with as little as £1 on behalf of your child at most banks and building societies. Then, once your child reaches the age of seven, they can then begin to manage their own account – which is a great lesson in learning how to manage money – and they can withdraw from or credit their account when they like. They may even receive a small gift, such as a money box from the bank or building society.

Don’t worry that your child can access the account and buy a million emojis or 20 Nintendo games. Most accounts allow the adult to stay in control of the cash until the child turns 16. After then… well, let’s hope you taught them some lessons to manage their money…

Let’s have a quick look at the different savings accounts below:

Regular Savings Account

Regular savings accounts tend to pay the best interest rates, although access is limited and you need to pay in money each month. Most pay an average of 4% interest.*

Easy Access Account

The advantage of an Easy Access account is that you or your child can add and withdraw money from it at any time. However, interest rates do tend to be lower than that of regular savers (typically around 2%*).

But, just think, if you saved £10 for 18 years in a 2% per year savings account, there would eventually be over £2,500, which could help with buying a first car or be used towards university fees.

Fixed-Rate Savings Account

These type of savings accounts are also known as bonds. You tie your money up for a specific term, usually between one and five years and withdrawals are not permitted.

However, in return, you could get a fairly good interest rate (at the moment, around 2%*) but there’s a risk that you could miss out on higher interest rates available later on if you’re stuck in a long-term deal.

Would A Junior ISA Be Better?

A Junior ISA, or Junior Individual Savings Account, is designed for children up to the age of 18. They’re a way to hold cash on behalf of your child and benefit from tax-free savings.

The annual Junior ISA allowance will rise to £4,260 from April 2018 and like an adult ISA, your child won’t pay tax on interest on cash held in an ISA or income or capital gains from investments in an ISA.

The money is invested until the child turns 18 and if they don’t withdraw it, the Junior ISA automatically converts into an adult ISA.

What About A Junior Stocks and Shares ISA?

There’s another type of Junior ISA out there.

With this type of ISA, you decide where to invest your child’s money – could be in funds, shares, investment trusts, bonds – and the interest earned is tax free.

However, this option is a little riskier than a straightforward cash ISA since the value of the investment may vary throughout the duration of the investment. You should take financial advice on which type of investment would suit you and give you the best dividends as this long-term investment.

You should be aware that a child can have only one Junior Cash ISA and one Junior Stocks and Shares ISA during their childhood, but they can switch to different providers.

NS&I Premium Bonds

Instead of receiving interest from traditional savings accounts, every premium bond (£1) is entered into a monthly prize draw, with winners being selected at random by National Savings & Investments (NS&I). You’ll need at least £100 saved in your premium bond account (100 premium bonds) to enter the draw to be in a chance of winning tax-free prizes worth £25 to £1m every month.

The NS&I is backed by the Treasury so it’s pretty much guaranteed that your money is safe.

It’s also easy to apply: if you’re a parent or legal guardian, you can buy bonds on behalf of your child aged under 16 either online or by phone.

However, unlike a savings account, you won’t receive a guaranteed return and neither will your child receive a sum at aged 16 like an ISA would give.

Furthermore, you’re essentially playing a lottery with your money so you could win nothing at all – but you could hit the jackpot. However, the odds of each £1 bond number winning a prize are currently 24,500 to 1…

And Another Thing…

Check If Your Child Has A Lost Child Trust Fund

Child Trust Funds (CTFS) are a savings accounts which were opened for babies born between September 2002 and 2 January 2011 by the Government. Every account was credited with up to £500 from the Government so that parents, relatives and friends would be able to save more tax-efficiently to boost their child’s savings.

Around six million young people across the UK have a Government Child Trust Fund (CTF), but figures indicate that as many as one in six of them may have been lost.

The first children who received a CTF account will be turning 16 this year, so if you think your child may be one of those with a lost account, track it down! To do this, visit the HMRC’s dedicated page. Simply fill in some basic information about you and your child. You’ll have to register for Government Gateway to access this service.

So you’ll see there are many ways to save for your child’s future. All options come with their advantages and disadvantages so you should seek advice to check which one(s) suit your requirements best.

*At time of writing in March 2018

Once the glorious (but sleep-deprived) maternity leave comes to an end, most parents are faced with the dilemma of choosing who will look after their darling whilst they’re hard at work bringing home the bacon.

You’ll have to contend with guilt about leaving your little one (although think of the joy in being able to have a cup of tea uninterrupted and not having snot on your arm all day!), and have the added pressure of choosing the right type of childcare that suits everyone in the family.

With so many different choices for childcare out there, I wonder… how do you choose which suits you and your child best?

Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of hiring a nanny or using a nursery to help you reach your own decision.

Nanny

A nanny will take the role of primary care-giver and is employed by you to take care of your child in your home. There are live-in nannies and day nannies – which pretty much do what they say on the tin.

Advantages of having a (live-in and day) nanny include:

• One to one care for your child so this could mean advanced development in some areas
• More flexibility than a nursery with regards to hours (you can negotiate hours that suit both when you draw up a contract)
• Your child and you enjoying a close bond with your nanny. A nanny quite often becomes part of the family and you since you’re entrusting the most precious thing on earth to this person, they are likely to become a good friend
• If you have more than one child, hiring a nanny can be a cost-effective option

Disadvantages of hiring a (live in- and day) nanny include:

• Having to pay tax, national insurance and a pension (if they’re eligible) for them as you’ll be their employer. However, it’s possible that if you go through an agency to recruit and pay your nanny, they will take away this burden for you – for a fee.
• You’ll have to provide holiday entitlement and consequently have back-up childcare if your nanny is on leave or ill.
• Hiring a nanny is often the most expensive childcare option if they’re looking after just one child.
• Unlike nursery staff, nannies don’t have to be formally vetted and childcare qualifications aren’t necessary.
• You may worry your child could be isolated from other children and that they aren’t developing as much socially as you’d like.

Finance Info

Usually the most expensive childcare option, the average salary for a live-in nanny ranges anywhere from £350 to £450 per week, depending on where you live. For a daily nanny, you’re looking at around £500 per week.

Day Nursery

Nurseries seem to be popping up all over the place at the moment. No wonder: they’re lucrative little businesses and the most popular form of childcare.

Nurseries are great if you want your child to:

• have a solid learning structure
• participate in a wide range of activities with other children and build confidence and social skills from group activities
• be part of an Ofsted inspected environment which allows you to check the nursery’s performance

Also, you pay a monthly fee (which can also be paid, or supplemented, by childcare vouchers until April 2018, or the new tax-free childcare initiative run by the government to help working parents) so the actual payment process is uncomplicated and can be cost-effective if you use one of these tax-efficient perks.

Disadvantages Of The Nursery Setting

The downsides to using nurseries include:

• A rigid time structure. Most nurseries are open 7.30am-6pm, so if you need to get into work super early or if you will struggle for a 6pm pick-up, then nursery won’t suit
• It’s a veritable hotbed for germs, purely because they are so many of the little tiddlers in one place. Be prepared for lots of illnesses in your home.
• If you require an extra day here and there or if you need to swap days, then it might not be possible due to staff and children ratios.
• One to one childcare is non-existent. Most key workers are in charge of three children at a time.

Typically young girls and transient staff work at nurseries. It’s just the way it is. The staff are mainly young and want to move jobs frequently. So be prepared for your child to get used to their key worker one week and then the following week, they’re gone (the key worker, not your child, that is!).

Finance Info

You’re looking at approximately £250 per week for a full-time place – more if you’re in London.

Have a look at this handy table illustrating childcare costs for most types of childcare on a full-time basis:

Type of Childcare	How Much Does It Cost? (Britain average)	How Much Does It Cost? (London average)
Day Nursery (50 hours for a child under 2)	£222.36 per week	£277.84 per week
Live-in Nanny (50 hours)	£350 - £650 per week plus: • tax • National Insurance • room and board	£433 per week plus: • tax • National Insurance • room and board
Daily Nanny (50 hours)	£512 per week plus: • tax • National Insurance • room and board	£616 per week plus: • tax • National Insurance • room and board

Source: Childminder and nursery costs from Family and Childcare Trust, 2017.

We’ve heard the advantages and disadvantages of both types of childcare. So who has won the fight?

If you’re prepared to pay more, you’re not fazed by being an employer, you work long or irregular hours and are willing to spend the time interviewing lots of candidates in the search for the right person (drum roll The Apprentice…), then hiring a nanny is a good option for you.

However, if you are a little apprehensive with inviting a stranger into your home to look after your invaluable treasure (and your child!) and you value lots of group activities for social development, then using a nursery is a good option.

In terms of choosing the right nanny or the right nursery, recommendations tend to win hands down. If you get recommended a fabulous nanny by a trusted friend, then snap them up. Similarly, ask around your local area for nursery recommendation, take a look at local nursery reviews and Ofsted reports, as I’m sure you’ll agree: we just want the best start in life for our children that we can possibly buy.

Chances are, if you work, run a business, run a household or have kids, your life is one big, crazy, busy place – even more so if you’re juggling all four at the same time. And if you’re a woman it’s highly likely that you are far busier than your male partner: a study showed that on average, women spend 17 hours a week on housework compared to men, who opt for the easy life and do just under 6 hours per week.

Working Women Still Do Lion’s Share Of Housework

And that data doesn’t even include any child rearing requirements!

If you’re constantly exhausted, never complete your To Do List and sometimes hide in bed on Sunday mornings as you can’t face the chores that lie ahead of you, here is some sound advice on how to stop running yourself ragged.

1) The Kids

Assuming your kids are beyond pre-school, get them to help with basic chores. If they get used to helping around the house when they are 6 plus they’ll find it completely normal. Choose simple tasks appropriate for their age. A 6 year old can be told they have to put their toys away at the end of each day; a 10 year old can unload the dishwasher; a 15 year old can do just about everything that you can.

The alternative is of course to do every little thing yourself – but don’t settle for that. Ensure your children appreciate all the household tasks that need to be done, and to realise you’re not there to wait on them hand and foot. If there is a little reluctance at first, explain that a tired parent is a grumpy one who is less likely to have energy for a trip to the park / football field / a day out, and they will soon start to see the benefit of pitching in.

2) The Male Partner

Depending on the mental age of your partner, simply tailor the advice in section 1 to suit them.

3) In The Kitchen

Cooking an evening meal each day can be time consuming. There’s the shopping, the prep, the eating, the clearing away. So be savvy with your time.

Do your supermarket shop online and sit back and wait for it to be delivered to your door. Big brands who offer this service include:

Tesco  https://www.tesco.com/groceries/

Asda  https://groceries.asda.com/

Sainsbury’s   https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplayView?catalogId=10123&langId=44&storeId=10151&krypto=%2BdQoy8oMjvHtAhjG%2FG4gjd2Kcqs7%2Bb5mBgszZO2z8wtHCDgX9TDW9urJ4t8bTbmUNMOHRVdyp8pk%2BUyUIP3s4w%3D%3D&ddkey=http%3Agb%2Fgroceries

Ocado https://www.ocado.com/webshop/startWebshop.do

Waitrose   http://www.waitrose.com/shop/Browse/Groceries

Morrisons  http://groceries.iceland.co.uk/

Iceland  http://groceries.iceland.co.uk/

Amazon Pantry (for Amazon Prime members) https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/pantry/info

Create big batches of meals that can then be frozen for another day. Cook quick meals that are still nutritious – omelettes with baked beans can be whipped up in no time at all and deliver a high protein punch for growing kids. Sign up to Hello Fresh – a fabulous invention which takes all the hassle out of meal planning and shopping, and you get to eat wholesome, tasty food.

Check out our earlier review of Hello Fresh here.

Get the kids involved in cooking – most love to get their hands dirty in the kitchen and you’ll be training them up so that once they hit their teens, they’ll be able to cook some basic meals for the whole family.

And finally once the meal is over, make it a rule that everyone helps with the clear-up.

4) Cleaning The Home

Many busy folk struggle to find time to clean the home properly. According to a discussion on mumsnet, women are spending around 2-6 hours per week simply cleaning the house.

Have you got that time to spare? Wouldn’t it be preferable to outsource your cleaning to someone else, so you can actually relax a little in the evenings and weekends, rather than donning rubber gloves and scrubbing the loo? Unless you find house cleaning relaxing and therapeutic, use a cleaning service so you can free up your time for things more important to you.

There are plenty of online companies where you can source a cleaner for your home. For example:

Homeclean

Mollymaid

The Happy House Cleaning Services

Merrymaids &

Maid2Clean

5) At Work

If you work full time, the biggest chunk of your day will be spent at there. So make sure you work effectively without getting burnt out:

Don’t agree to deadlines that are going to be hard to achieve – and will result in rocketing stress levels. Your boss may genuinely not realise how long a task is going to take you. So be firm, be realistic and explain to your boss why you’ll need another day/week to complete the task s/he expects to be finished yesterday.

Don’t take on work that a colleague should be doing. We all know the colleague who appears to do so much but in fact has an uncanny ability to off load their work to over helpful colleagues. They may use flattery, “You’re so much better at Excel than me – can you just go through this spreadsheet and check my calculations?”. Or a bit of begging, “The boss wants this report on his desk this afternoon and I’ve got all this other urgent stuff. Can you just tidy it up a bit for me?” The end result of helping this colleague is that a) you increase your workload b) you never get credit for what you’ve done c) you may miss your own deadlines and d) you feel stressed and resentful.

If you manage staff, delegate effectively to them. Provide clear instruction on what they need to do, check they understand and agree a date when they’ll have the work completed. Then leave them to get on with it – no interfering, no hassling and no continual requests for updates.

Stop being a perfectionist. If you’re finalising a report, stop agonising over word choice – “should I use ‘worrying’ or ‘concerning’ in the conclusion?; “when should I use ‘whilst’ and ‘while'”?. So long as the report is well written, grammatically correct and nicely laid out it’s good to go, and you can get on with your next task.

Stop being an over-controller. Some bosses have staff, but they don’t really like delegating to them – they’d much prefer to do the work themselves because really, they don’t trust anyone else to do it properly. If that’s you, stop it! You have staff to ease your work load, so use them wisely. Learn the art of delegation and see it as a way of developing your staff in their role. Perhaps the first piece of work they provide is below your high standards; but by teaching them how to improve (in a tactful and reassuring way), they’ll feel motivated to do better next time and you’ll eventually have a team member who can work autonomously, giving you the freedom to concentrate on your own job.

In Conclusion

If you’re serious about creating more time in your life to do the things you want to, and to stop running yourself ragged, try out the tips above – you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results.

If you’re interested in outsourcing even more tasks to external help, then read our article about Concierge Services which provide virtual helpers to do almost any task you need completing.

Have you ever looked at a fabulous Roland Mouret midi-dress and wondered “how do I justify the splurge?” Yes? Me too. Or if you’re one of the few that hasn’t already got one, what about that Alexa Mulberry? Both items are pricey and let’s face it, you’ve probably got a million midi dresses and bags tucked away. So how do you justify those price tags?

What if I told you that by investing in designer pieces, you’d be investing in your career? If you want to climb that corporate ladder, you need to dress to impress. Investing in appropriate designer pieces will not only ensure you don’t slip behind in the fashion stakes, but that you don’t coast down the corporate ladder either.

And I’m afraid that tatty, old H&M dress just won’t cut it, darling.

But being the money-savvy lady you are, you’re not going to be inclined to hand over a wad of your hard-earned cash for something, no matter how fabulous it is, if it’s not going to offer a you little something in return too. We all know that good returns can come from investing in stocks and shares, certain art pieces, property and gold, but how about designer clothing and accessories? How fab would it be to invest in designer clobber and see a great return?

I wonder… is splurging on designer fashion a sensible investment, or are we fooling ourselves into thinking so to justify spending high sums?

To Sell Or Not To Sell

Yes, that is the question. You may want to buy some designer pieces for you to wear and keep, but it would be wise to have an idea of a resale value in case you’d like to sell in the future.

Think about this: if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a Hermes Birkin bag, which could set you back anywhere from £7,500 to £100,000, the resale designer fashion website Vestiaire Collective reveals you could benefit from a resale value of around 137 per cent.

Due to its high demand, a Hermes Birkin bag is deemed the best investment in designer handbags – and with a resale value like that, who could argue?

To put it into perspective: the annual return on a Birkin bag is 14.2% according to the website Baghunter. Compare this to the S&P 500 index return, which has increased by 8.7% a year and it is looking like investing in designer bags (Hermes in particular) is a pretty shrewd decision! And let’s not even start comparing to current ISA rates!

Similarly, the resale value of a Chanel Classic Flap Bag has increased 72 per cent between 2010 and 2015 and Saint Laurent and Céline handbags enjoy remarkably huge increases in resale values, too.

Do we need any more of an excuse to go out and splurge… I mean, invest?!

What Should I Invest In?

But how do we decide which pieces are investments? To help us in our quest, the Vestiaire Collective has devised The Resale Calculator using data from its millions of members to uncover how much luxury designer items will be worth when selling them. It’s a useful tool to indicate the potential resale figure before we actually decide to buy a piece brand new.  After all, you wouldn’t put your money into stocks and shares without knowing the potential returns, would you?

There’s no doubt that designer handbags are the best investment of all designer fashion. However, designer shoes (worn and unworn) come a close second and whilst ready-to-wear clothing is never going to compete with the resale value of handbags and shoes, there are some designer clothing pieces that will resell better than others.

A few points to consider if you’re thinking of investing in designer clothing:

Go Classic

Always pick classic pieces as they’re less likely to date. That orange Chanel jumpsuit looks great whilst wearing it in St Tropez darling, but not so great during a work business meeting with the CEO. Versatility is key.

Brand Awareness

Saint Laurent and Isabel Marant always command strong interest in resale. Pick a classic piece by one of these designers and you’re on to a winner. Balenciaga and Balmain are also two strong contenders for those top spots in resale value.

Treasure Your Investments

If they’re going to serve you well, you need to look after them. Always look after leathers and suedes appropriately, pack bags to ensure they maintain their shape, keep invoices and authenticity cards and store items in their dust bags and boxes.

Keep Receipts

Having a proof of purchase not only helps to prove authenticity, but also helps with a quick and more profitable sale.

When To Sell

For maximum resale attractiveness, sell pieces within four seasons of release. If people remember the pieces from seasons, they tend to desire them more than if they don’t know about them at all. Therefore, they’ll hold a higher resale value.

Win Some Lose Some

It’s undoubtedly difficult to know the best time to sell a piece. You might already know that a designer’s last collection for a house is always a popular one. Most would advise to sell within four seasons, however, the resale value might just surge if you hold on to it for a lot longer…

Decisions, Decisions…

So, is investing in designer fashion an excuse to splurge or is it a wise financial move?

You can get excellent returns on your designer investment if you buy the right piece, look after it well and sell it within the right timeframe after buying it. However, as with any investment comes risks, but I’d say that there are far fewer risks involved with buying that Chanel 2.55 than there is investing £4,000 in stocks for certain pharmaceutical or banking companies. Not only that, with a Chanel handbag, you get to experience it and take it to all those girlie liquid lunches (just don’t get too squiffy and leave it anywhere!). What do you get with a straightforward investment? A piece of paper and relatively low return? I know where I’d rather invest my money!

And if you don’t achieve the resale price you’re after, you get to keep that designer piece, but if you do get a fantastic resale price, perhaps buy another piece and do the same with that, too. You could start a profitable side-hustle and become the next Tamara Mellon or Karren Brady… Or you could just have a bit of fun buying and selling and making a little money in the process. What are you waiting for?!

Useful websites:

Vestiare Collective: https://www.vestiairecollective.com

Edit Second Hand: https://editsecondhand.com/

Hardly Ever Worn It: https://www.hardlyeverwornit.com/

High Fashion Society: https://highfashionsociety.com/