As I write this, A sparkling frost grips defiantly to the blades of grass in my front lawn. Winter is still very much here, but soon things will start to warm back up. My outdoor lounge setting hasn’t seen much use lately, winter has emphatically kept me inside and in front of the heater, but I haven’t forgotten the furnace-like heat of an Aussie summer.

At the start of this year, Australia occupied all 15 slots on the El Dorado Weather site’s top 15 hottest places on earth. Yikes. Places like Yulara in the Northern Territory topped out at a ferocious 49 degrees Celsius and our cities were melted by long stretches of 40-degree plus days.

Summer in Australia is hot.

Summer in Australia is also when the nation comes alive.

Backyard barbeques, beach days and long humid nights spent shooting the moon. Summertime spent outdoors is an Australian tradition. Because of the extreme heat, some caution should be taken when enjoying this beautiful sunburnt country. Preparing your outdoor area should be approached with the same mindset. Creating a comfortable outdoor space that can be enjoyed safely all summer long is easy.

Shady

The harsh UV rays unique to the Australian sun can burn human skin in minutes and can even cause immune deficiencies. It is very important that your outdoor area has blocks of shade to cut out these harmful rays. Strategically planted trees are best as they provide dappled shade as well as a habitat for native animals. Screening plants like hedges and shrubs can also aid in shading your area.

Outdoor umbrellas are a popular choice in Australian backyards and for good reason, they provide the essential service of keeping us shaded whilst looking great and are usually very durable. Look for an umbrella that is rated for the wind strength in your area as some can be snapped or blown away in strong winds.

The right material

When choosing furniture, keep in mind the ferocity of the Australian sun. Direct sunlight can cause materials to fade quickly and, in some cases, even melt them. Natural materials such as Teak wood are naturally oily and very durable and will stand in the sun for decades with no issues.

Whether it’s your beautiful new outdoor lounge or that old outdoor umbrella, most pieces of furniture designated for outdoor use will have been built with UV resistant materials. Synthetic fibres and plastics are coated with a UV resistant film that should stand the test of time (and heat!)

Bring your own BBQ

In the sweltering heat of summer, it can be unpleasant and impractical to cook meals inside. The heat of a stovetop or oven can ruin any chance your house had to cool down and remain at a liveable temperature. Luckily, we Australians are smart, and another great Aussie tradition was born… the Summer BBQ.

Preparing and sharing meals on a hot summer’s day can be a magical way to unwind, cool down and socialize with friends and family. It also keeps your home cooler and free of insects. Pay attention to where you place your BBQ as you don’t want to be grilling meat right next to your guests. Wearing a novelty apron is optional.

Bug defence.

With the heat comes waves of newly hatching flying insects. I personally love Christmas Beetles; their clumsy flight paths bring them into regular contact with my face which I find cute and hilarious. Understandably though, some people don’t share my love affair for these shiny flying goofballs.

Christmas Beetles are at the bottom of the “offensive insect” scale. At the top sits the bane of many a sleepless Australian, the Mosquito.

There are many ways of dealing with flying insects, most of which involve chemicals. Citronella candles and coils are a very popular choice and work very well for small outdoor areas. Citronella torches also work a treat but need to be monitored closely. Flaming oils and 40-degree days can be a dangerous mix.

If you have positioned your plants to provide shade, why not add some natural bug repellents like marigolds or mint?

Cooling solutions

As the sun sits in the middle of the sky it might be tempting to scurry indoors and blast the AC. Perhaps this is a sensible thing to do if the temperature exceeds 40 degrees. For your outdoor area, there are some clever cooling solutions available that may just keep you cool and comfortable outside.

The humble propeller fan does a good job of moving air around, adding a few well places units can be a cheap and easy way of keeping your area cooler. If you want to step it up a notch, a misting fan can provide some much-needed relief.

Misting fans spray a fine mist as the fan circulates air. This mist mixes with warm air molecules causing both to evaporate. A misting fan works better in hot dry environments and can provide a similar effect to an air conditioner. Depending on where you are, you may get more or less of an effect from a misting fan, these machines do not work as well in already humid environments.

Slip slop slap.

Ok, your outdoor area is shaded from the sun and a cool breeze wafts over you as you sink into your outdoor lounge. Are you forgetting something? A cold beer perhaps? Hmm or maybe you are forgetting that skin cancer is a top killer of Australians every year. If you are venturing outside on an Australian summers day, please don’t forget to use personal sun protection.

As winter reaches its final crescendo, we can start looking forward to summertime. If you are blessed with an outdoor area you owe it to yourself to create a livable space in which to enjoy everything Australia has to offer. Some preparation now can transform your cold back porch into a breezy entertainment space ready to reflect the solar rays and provide a summer sanctuary for you and your friends.

Beach vacations are fun, relaxing and inject life and colour back into our lives – quite literally. Beach destinations are usually beautiful and exotic, and look a lot like paradise with combinations of lush greenery and turquoise waters, which is why it’s the best place to kick back and relax.

If you’re looking to be surrounded by awe-inspiring beauty this coming summer, we have the ultimate destination list for you – but not without honing in on the places with the bluest waters .. because who can say no to swimming in oceans clearer than a swimming pool or diving in paradise?

Thanda Island, Tanzania

You’ve probably never heard of Thanda Island because it’s one of the most exclusive islands in the world. With only a few rooms in the main manor house, it’s a luxury private island resort, offering guests the chance to book out the entire island all to themselves. Yes, you could be living the dream in the middle of the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa’s Tanzania, surrounded by crystal clear waters filled with exotic marine life; white sands, plush palm trees and vegetation, and amenities to die for. We’re talking yoga on the beach, sailing trips, swimming with whale sharks, scuba diving, tennis – you name it, Thanda Island’s got it.

Menorca, Spain

Travelers love to visit Spain because it’s beautiful, its history is intriguing and the strong culture, fascinating – but also because it has some of the greatest beaches in Europe. Places like Barcelona, Ibiza and Marbella are favourites for beach holidays, but one Spanish island that’s incredibly underrated, and in my opinion, the most exquisite of them all, is Menorca. Menorca is a quaint island near to Majorca, which has been slow to develop in comparison to the tourist hotspots mentioned. It really feels like a sleepy island, laid-back and non-pretentious. But the best part of it, is the beaches, with waters so blue you’ll think you’re in the Bahamas. And to make it even better – they’re never overcrowded, in fact, on some beaches, you may even be the only person there.

Sabah, Borneo
A state of East Malaysia, Sabah is known for its world-class diving, with rich marine life and stunning visibility. You may find it hard to leave the waters alone, constantly amazed by the bright colours and exotic life lurking below the shoreline. But there’s a rich amount of biodiversity on land too, making Sabah the perfect destination for those who want a good dose of sea activities, as well as ample national parks and incredible wildlife such as orangutans.

Sardinia, Italy

If you’re looking for a more ‘vibey’ summer destination, with a fair number of holidaymakers and locals bringing the energy, then Sardinia is for you. It’s a tourist hotspot because travelers have quickly found out about the breathtaking blue water, exotic cliffs that plunge into the ocean, the energetic Olde Town, and of course the amazing Italian food. Sardinia is known for some of the bluest waters in all of Europe, and it’s usually still and calm even in the deep sea due its location in the Mediterranean. It’s an absolute treat for a young couple, or a group of friends who are looking for the perfect combination of sun, sea and plenty of partying.

 Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza is, of course, the ultimate party island, and one that has attracted the young and the restless for years and years. But what you may not know, is that there are sides to Ibiza that are laid-back, ideal for travelers looking to catch a break in the sun, rather than rave their holiday away. On the east of the island are some gorgeous turquoise beaches such as Cala Benirras and Cala Bonita. Just across from Ibiza is another European favourite, Formentera, an exquisite little island surrounded by incredible waters and filled with trendy, beachy restaurants and boho-style accommodation. Formentera can be reached by small boat and takes around 30 minutes from Ibiza. What’s great about visiting Ibiza, is that you get the best of both worlds – whatever you’re feeling for, whether it be ultimate relaxation, or an awesome night out, its available to you, complete with draw-dropping natural beauty.

 Capri, Italy

Capri is one of the most stylish, sophisticated beach destinations in the world. If visitors are not eating incredible pasta and sipping on award winning wines, they’re enjoying the turquoise waters from a superyacht, or shopping up a storm in the town. This may be right up your alley, in which case Capri is the perfect place for you. But, while there’s plenty of grandeur all around, which makes for an interesting experience, there’s also a relaxed side to Capri, ideal for budget travelers. The beaches are incredible, and what’s better than spending all day there, or meandering through the town, looking for the best pasta on the island.

One of the joys of travel is taking stunning pictures to capture your time away. But when you are travelling, the last thing you need is a massive camera with all the attachments, especially when you could just take your phone. 

If you want to take awesome pictures while you travel, you need to think carefully about what it is you want to capture with every photo. Taking a photo of some locals is quite different to taking a photo of a landscape. 

Here are a few tips to help you take some awesome travel photos.

Start With the Practicalities

Just before we get into some cool tips, let’s quickly recap a few of the practicalities you should remember. For a start, you will need space on your phone to take lots (and lots) of pictures and you’ll also need to know how to download photos from iCloud so you can safely store and back-up your pictures.

The other major issue with phones is that they often don’t have the battery life of a regular camera. Take a battery pack with you so that you can keep charging on the go and you won’t be disappointed. Keeping your phone in a jacket and cleaning the camera lens regularly is also a good idea as this will ensure high quality pictures and limit the possibility of breakages.

Get Creative

There are 101 creative ideas for taking photos and while you are travelling, you should make the most. For some reason, most tourists take the same pictures of the same things that are already pictured in their travel guide. While you might want a ‘we went here’ kind of shot, think more creatively too.

Playing with reflections, going for a unique angle and experimenting with different focuses can make a huge difference to the pictures you create. You might also like to take some wider shots that you can edit and play with at home. 

Tell a Story

People tend to like travel because it opens them up to new things, new ideas and new stories. Using photography to capture the story of your travels is the best way to give yourself an opportunity to look back at what you learned but it’s also a nice way to share your experiences with others. 

A good starting point is to think about what interests you in particular. Obviously, most people take the same photos of the same things but what is it that you specifically want to capture? For some people, the answer lies in self portraits and selfies but for others, capturing a particular mood or idea is more important. 

Whatever your take on travel photography is, if you are going to take photos with your phone, you should make the most of the volume you can take. Don’t be afraid to try something different or play with an idea. The more pictures you take, the more practise your eye will have in choosing a subject and angle. And, you’ll have plenty of inspiration while you travel.

Summer vacations are just around the corner, so it’s time you start planning! If you haven’t yet found the perfect destination or ideal place to stay, don’t fret. Our list of travel tips for the ultimate summer vacation is sure to get the ideas flowing, while acting as a checklist for your next summer adventure!

1.Find a relaxing, beautiful place to stay

When looking to go on the ultimate summer vacation, decide on what type of holiday experience you are wanting and where you have always dreamed to go. Make sure that you have looked into and have all the information about the area and what they have to offer, ensuring you make the correct choice. Thanda Island is the creme de la creme of luxury private island resorts, and of course a pristine place to stay if you are looking for an experience that is private, not overcrowded, luxurious, and simply ticks off all the boxes of a dream holiday. Thanda Islands is known by many as the ‘Maldives of Africa’ because of its untouched natural beauty, crystal clear waters, exotic fish, amenities and activities.  Where else in the world could you dive into the ocean from your bedroom terrace? This Island, whether you are honeymooning or holidaying with either family or friends it is every bit paradise, and luckily one that is still fairly undiscovered.

2. Find out the activities on offer

When planning your holiday, you will know what activities you are looking to do. Whether it’s visiting game reserves, wine farms, historical towns or more personal activities such as scuba diving, hiking, mountain climbing, surfing, bungee jumping, etc., plan and choose your holiday adventure around that. Great activities make a trip an unforgettable one, so it’s essential there’s plenty to do for everyone in the group.

For a summer vacation you may want to consider:

SNORKELLING

There’s nothing better than swimming in the ocean while on summer vacation, and snorkeling adds the cherry on top as you’ll be able to see plenty of beautiful marine species, such as marine turtles (if you’re visiting an exotic island), jewel damselfish, threespot dascyllus, reef needlefish, cornet fish, trumpet fish, blue spotted stingray, cleaner wrasse and goldbar wrasse, to name a few.

SCUBA DIVING

Most resorts offer scuba diving, whether you are an experienced scuba diver or you would like to learn and get your certificate this can usually be arranged – if not by the place you’re staying then somewhere on the island. You will be intrigued by the diversity of marine life, 400 species of dazzling reef fish, colorful coral reefs, five species of turtles, loads more so take along your underwater camera to take pictures of this beautiful underwater world.

3. Plan a trip with your favorite friends

There truly is nothing like planning a trip, but how exciting would it be to include some of your favorite friends? Getaways are about making memories, relaxing, having fun and reconnecting with yourself, those around you and the world at large. We’d recommend you rent a villa or a big enough house where everyone can stay together – this keeps costs low and is plenty of fun. Again, consider the activities available to keep everyone busy, as well as the location. Places on the beach are always a winner as there is always something to do and somewhere to go. Remember to pack in some boardgames and plenty of good food and wine!

Book amazing restaurants in advance

When planning a holiday, if you choose to eat out every day or night, do your research and find out about the best restaurants in the area which cater for large groups, is child friendly or is comfortable and special enough for two honeymooners. It’s always nice to try the local cuisine as they’re usually fantastic in most parts of the world. Should you tire of restaurant food and craving a home cooked meal, there is nothing wrong with visiting the local markets to purchase fresh produce and whip up something of your own!

4. Take along a great summer read

Summer vacations require a great summer read – one of those feel-good, ‘I can’t put this book down’, kind of read. When you are sun-tanning on the beach or lazing by the pool, there’s nothing better than getting stuck into a really great story. Reading is relaxing and books are also a great topic of conversation, especially if it was something relevant to what’s happening in the world today or is of interest to the average person.

Wining in the Western Cape

Franschhoek Wine Valley

Franschhoek is widely known to have some of the most superior restaurants, elegant cafés and first-class wine estates in the world, never-mind just the Western Cape. Franschhoek is approximately 75 kilometers from Cape Town city central and it’s well worth the drive out to this beautiful town, surrounded by stunning mountains and colorful lush landscapes. In 1688, Franschhoek was founded by the French Huguenot settlers, today you will find that their strong French influence still remains. Wining and dining is a unique experience in Franschhoek, and it can be rather difficult to say which restaurant or wine estate is best, they all have their own personal touch, here are a few to consider:

Chef’s Warehouse at Maison, Reuben’s, La Petite Colombe, La Paris Deli and Restaurant on La Paris Estate, Le Coin Français, Bovine. Consider also taking the wine tram, a hop-on-hop-off tram that offers you eight different wine tasting experiences. We’d highly recommend you stay a few nights in the town to really experience all it has to offer – the Franschhoek wine farm accommodation is stunning!

 Stellenbosch

Known for its tree-lined streets and the popular Stellenbosch University, the town is known for its world-class wines and restaurants, nature reserves and gorgeous landscapes. It is also one of the most beautiful quaint towns to explore. Stellenbosch is not just about delicious foods, university life and vibey culture but enjoying a wine tasting experience has become very popular for family and friends to enjoy anytime of the week and weekends. Listed below are some of the popular Wine Estates:

Lanzerac Wine Estate

Muratie Estate

Spier Wine Farm

Middelvlei

Delheim Estate

Vergenoegd Wine Estate

Morgenster Wine and Olive Estate

Neethlingshof

Stellenbosch also has a Vine Hopper tour that operates three days a week one being a Saturday. On this tour they also have the Van Ryn’s Brandy Cellar tour, which is a very unique experience.

Constantia

A visit to Constantia is not complete if you have not taken a tour to the beautiful wine farms, almost in the heart of this up-market suburb. Constantia is easily accessible from all areas outside or around Cape Town. Constantia has beautiful lush wine estates, from modern day architecture to historical elegance of yesteryear, to world-renowned restaurants and beautiful mountains as a backdrop, it’s simply a sight to behold. Visit Groot Constantia, Constantia Glen, Klein Constantia, Beau Constantia to name a few.

Dining in the Western Cape

V&A Waterfront

Good food really makes a holiday, so be sure to try the V&A Waterfront’s many world-class restaurants such as Bukhara for delicious Indian Cuisine, Baia for fresh, tasty seafood, Willouhby’s for the best sushi in Cape Town, Balducci’s for awesome Mediterranean dishes and Tasha’s for a superb breakfast or healthy lunch. What’s great about dining at the V&A is that you’re surrounded by impeccable views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town harbour, giving you the pleasure of marveling the surroundings while enjoying great food and wine. We’d recommend you opt for a table outdoors, to ensure your views are unobstructed, and to fully absorb the energy of Cape Town’s bustling center.

Thali Indian Cuisine

Thali is one of Cape Town’s hidden gems, although locals and tourists have caught wind of this culinary delight, as it’s the sister restaurant to the city’s ultra-popular ‘Chef’s Warehouse’. Thali is a modern-take on Indian cuisine, with a set menu for two made up of tapas-style dishes. It’s the perfect way to try a little bit of everything that founding Chef Liam Tomlin and his team have put together – and my do they do it well; honestly, do yourself a favor!

Mojo Market Sea Point

Mojo Market in Sea Point is an indoor all-day market perfect for a relaxed dinner with a group of friends. There are over 40 food stalls to choose from, catering for the meat eaters, vegans, veggies, and those with a sweet tooth. Once you’ve made your pick, enjoy your take-away while listening to live music in the center court, or while shopping up a storm at the pop-up stores.

La Colombe

La Colombe has been voted Cape Town’s number one restaurant, and you can bet it’s a treat to the taste buds. Nestled in the heart of Constantia, La Colombe is not only a restaurant with impeccable cuisine, but a restaurant with a soothing, country-like ambience. Very grand indeed. La Colombe has a set tasting menu made up of six courses, although each plate is small but delicious, well thought through and beautiful – like a work of art on a plate.

There’s no hiding that the United Kingdom is famous for its rich collection of historical attractions, awe-inspiring landscapes and varied cultural hotspots. If Great Britain is on the agenda for your next holiday, the endless number of places to go and things to see and do may seem quite a lot to take in. Rest assured though, for the older travellers among us, there are an abundance of destinations to delight in at a more moderate pace – ideal for those who simply seek a relaxing excursion away. In this guide, Stairlift Nova Scotia give us their top 5 hand-picked UK destinations, delving into what you can expect to get up to at each…

The Cotswolds 

Encompassing 6 counties in rural Mid-Southern England, the Cotswolds are famed for being the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, one of the most celebrated former Prime Ministers in British history. The area is also well-known for its abundance of quaint little villages and thatch-roof cottages.  

Extravagant stately homes and charming castles rub shoulders with sleepy villages, hamlets and rolling countryside. One of these is Sudeley Castle, once famously owned by Henry VIII’s last wife Katherine Parr — the late Queen of England is now buried on the grounds and you can visit where she lies. Rodmarton Manor is another house — its architecture is more than impressive and all materials used to build the home were regionally sourced and handcrafted by craftsmen in the area.

For those that are fans of getting out to the great outdoors, there are several trails you can follow either on your own or as part of a guided tour. There are walks for all abilities, with shorter detours available, and you’re never far from a small village where you can pause for a bite to eat. 

If you can’t make your mind up on which village to visit, why not consider walking the Cotswold Way National Trail? This rolls over 102 miles and weaves between the hills. You can walk the entire way —stopping off for overnight stays at various villages to rest your legs.

Northern Ireland’s Coast 

The picturesque Northern Irish coast offers many opportunities and is not to be missed. For travelling there or accommodation purposes, stay in the city of Belfast — it has well-organised transport in and out of the city and it’s not too far from the sights you’ll want to see. 

One of these sites is the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. First built by fisherman in 1755 to connect the mainland to a tiny island, the rope bridge is suspended around 30 metres above sea level and is famous for its scenic views and ability to get those hearts racing. If you feel like doing something a bit daring, this one’s for you. It’s close to the Giant’s Causeway too — another popular site for Irish tourists. Situated on the coast, this attraction is the result of an ancient volcanic eruption although there is a legend that argues it was built by an Irish giant as a way to reach a Scottish giant ahead of a fight. 

Claiming fame through an appearance on hit TV series Game of Thrones, Dark Hedges is another gem a short distance from the coast. It is an avenue of Beech trees that date back to the 18th century and make an amazing backdrop for a walk in the country or some memorable photos. 

The Scottish Highlands 

Literally starting at the top, it’s a well-known fact that you’re never far away from a breath-taking view when you venture to the Scottish Highlands. The country is relatively small compared to other European nations and there are plenty of transport links that allow you to see a lot in a short space of time. 

Running between Glasgow, Oban, Fort William and others, the West Highland Line is not your average railway journey. You’ll be treated to rugged mountains, rich greenery and other scenes that you’d only spot in the countryside by rail.

Venture up to Moray Firth and take to the water, where you’ll be in the company of around 130 bottlenose dolphins — there are plenty boat trips available that take you out to sea to get closer and take the perfect photo. Other wildlife you might spot include seals, whales and porpoises! 

If Scotland does indeed take your fancy, don’t forget to visit Edinburgh! From exploring the zoo to walking up and down the old streets, there’s so much to see and do — it’s guaranteed to be a trip to remember. If possible, coincide your trip with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in August, this is the largest arts and culture festival in the world. 

The Lake District

It’s safe to say that the Lake District is a firm favourite among a great number of British holidaymakers. In rain, hail or shine, visitors flock to the area to enjoy the views, walk many miles around the lakes and wider national park and have some relaxation away from the big cities. 

Over the course of the year there are various festivals and country shows that can be enjoyed and may well make your trip extra special. These include farmers’ markets, food markets and unique film festivals, so there’s certainly something for all hobbies. You don’t have to venture far to see other interesting attractions too such as glassblowing and diamond wheel cutting – you wouldn’t see that just anywhere! Or, take a trip to the Lakes working distillery and see how whisky, gin and vodka are produced on-site.

Dust off your walking shoes and take to the fells – there are an array of different walking trails that cater to a wide range of abilities and time scales. Why not take a picnic up one of the mountains and enjoy the views below with a cup of tea and a sandwich? You can take boat rides across the lakes to see the landscape from a different viewpoint. 

Cornwall’s Shoreline

At the polar-opposite end of the country right on the south-western tip of England, you’ll find the county of Cornwall. Home to charming fishing villages such as Fowey and Falmouth and a town famous for its surf beaches, St Ives, Cornwall is a popular pick in the summer months where people head to the beaches to sunbathe, thanks to the county enjoying higher temperatures than most of the UK in general.

Home to the UK’s largest World Heritage Site, discover the historic stories that surround the old Cornish mining industry. You can tour through Carnglaze Slate Caverns which is made up of three huge caverns that played a part in Cornwall’s slate mining industry. There is also Morwellham Quay which will take you back to the Victorian era with a copper mine, working farm, railway and museum.

Visiting Cornwall simply wouldn’t be the same without a trip to the Eden Project. It is made up of two biomes, one of which simulates a rainforest environment and the other, a Mediterranean climate. You can therefore see flora of all shapes and sizes that wouldn’t usually be found in England. There are elevated pathways which allow you to walk among the treetops and a waterfall that cascades through the rainforest — made of the rain water that falls on the biome. 

If you fancy a sea-going voyage, why not embark on a trip to St Michael’s Mount — a rocky island off the Cornish coast. If you have an appreciation for gardens, this is an ideal place as there is a cliff-side garden with a range of blossoms and herbs to see.

As shown, it’s evident to see the many attractions that you simply must take the time to visit. There are opportunities for everything from adrenaline-pumping activities to brisk walks amongst the countryside — take your pick!

The average cost of a holiday for a family of four from the UK is £4792. On top of that, the average Briton spends approximately £220 a week when on vacation. When considering this, it is understandable why many Brits are opting for a holiday at home, especially as summer temperatures here in Blighty are rising year on year. In this article we examine the things you must consider before setting of on your next big road trip.

Inflate

Driving on a flat tyre has far considerably more effects than potentially causing a blowout. Automotive testing has found that an underinflated tyre can increase your fuel consumption by around five percent. So not only will your fuel bill be much heftier that it should be, you’re also doing more damage to the environment.

Not only does a blowout put you at a serious risk of crashing, it can cause devastating consequences to other road users, and it’s a nightmare to get fixed, likely damaging the rim in the process. Handling levels are massively affected by tyres that are underinflated as well, with stopping distances increased and steering taking a similar knock. A car tyre inflator is easily stored in the boot, taking up limited space and will seem like a priceless purchase when you’re stood on the hard shoulder.

For many drivers the biggest issue that exists is ignorance in regard to knowing their vehicle — check what actually comes as standard. Marketed as a space saver, most car manufactures in recent years have opted out of providing consumers with a full-size spare wheel, and in its place, you will find tyre sealant foam. Be comfortable that you know how to use it before heading off into the abyss, and if it’s a spare wheel, learn how to use a jack.

Maintain

Engine maintenance is essential, particularly if you don’t want to be left stranded at the side of the motorway with a blown head gasket! An engine check takes a few minutes but could save hundreds of pounds. Grab a bit of kitchen roll, pull out your engines dip stick, wipe away the oil and re-dip it to check your levels. If you’re running low, top it up. Most of us will ever only venture under the bonnet as soon as something goes wrong e.g. a Vesuvius-like cloud bellowing from the engine. Despite an exact timescale of how often you should check your oil not existing, experts suggest if you’re a regular driver you should check it at least once per month. Let your oil run too low or use the wrong one and you could be looking at serious damage to your car’s components.

Clean

More often than not, travelling to the nicest locations across the country involves more than just motorway driving. Therefore, ensure you have your washer bottles topped up. Country roads that lead to some of the nicest camp sites are also used on a daily basis by tractors and other farm machinery, which are likely to spray muck over the roads. Following Google maps can be tricky enough, never mind having to do so with darkened out, dirt covered windows.

Home comforts

Once you’ve given your car all the TLC necessary, it is time to turn your attention to yourself. Due to the fact the radio can become ridiculously repetitive, it may be worth considering setting yourself up with a lengthy playlist to help you on the road. If you fancy a few laughs along the way, a nice addition to Spotify as of late is the Best of British Comedy playlist, which includes a range of excerpts from stand up shows and BBC series Mock the Week.

If you’re embarking on a journey that will extend beyond usual mealtimes, then it’s definitely worth packing the cool bag with a few snacks, to keep your stomach ticking over. It’s important that you don’t overlook drinks either – remember to take plenty of cold and hot drinks such as water and organic coffee to keep you hydrated on your trip.

With more than 12,000 campsites here in the UK, it is clear the nation is awash with options for a staycation. So, what is stopping you?

In the UK, we think we have it bad when it comes to rain. But it turns out, we don’t make it anywhere near the top in the list of the world’s wettest places.

Here, you can find what parts of the globe receive the most downpours on average every year and why it happens — and there’s probably a few in here that will surprise you…

Mawsynram, India

The village of Mawsynram in the state of Meghalaya, north-east India, currently holds the Guinness World Record as the wettest place on Earth. With an average rainfall of 11,872mm, Mawsynram experiences regular landslides and residents devote hours of their time to making a shell-like cover to keep rain off their heads and legs.

According to meteorologists, Mawsynram’s proximity to the Bay of Bengal and the inability of clouds to climb over the neighbouring Himalayas are to blame for the rain. So, there’s not much the village can do about it, apart from keep soundproofing their roofs from the torrential downpours.

Cherrapunji, India

Following very closely behind Mawsynram with a history of disputing its claim on the Guinness World Record is Cherrapunji. Only 15km from Mawsynram, it believes that it should hold the title. However, the annual rainfall of Cherrapunji is 11,777 — painfully close, but not enough to clinch the top spot.

Like Mawsynram, the unusually high rainfall in Cherrapunji is reportedly due to monsoon winds from the tropical Bay of Bengal, which come from both the north-east and south-west. Oddly, during winter when the monsoon season is over, the residents of Cherrapunji often have to prepare themselves for drought.

Tutunendo, Colombia

With an average rainfall of 11,770mm, the town of Tutunendo in northern Colombia has two rainy seasons and is found in the state, or department, of Choco.

Tutunendo’s climate is best described as a tropical rainforest: hot and humid with a very little wind and incredible precipitation. Rainfall is year-round, but the driest months are February and March — although, rain still happens 20 days in each of these months, on average.

Cropp River, New Zealand

The place with the highest rainfall in the southern hemisphere is believed to be the 5.6km-long Cropp River in New Zealand.

Although its average annual rainfall stands at 11,515mm, an incredible 1,049mm of rain fell in this area in December 1995, which was a country record. Interestingly, most of the rain in this country lands in the mountains, not the plains, with Cleddau Valley — also on New Zealand’s southern island — being another popular place for rain clouds.

San Antonio de Ureca, Equatorial Guinea

This village in the African country of Equatorial Guinea is the wettest location on the continent with an average annual rainfall of 10,450mm.

Found 32km from the western coast of Africa, the best time to visit if you want to dodge the rain is between November and March. At any other time of year, you’ll probably have heavy downpours to handle.

Debundscha, Cameroon

The next rainiest place in Africa lies on the coast at the bottom of Mount Cameroon. Debundscha receives 10,299mm of rainfall every year, on average, and sits on the Atlantic coast.

Experts believe that the location’s heavy rainfall is due to three factors: the coast, the equator and the nearby mountain. Lying on the equator gives Debundscha its hot and humid climate, while the combination of the neighbouring ocean and 4,095 peak means that rain clouds can’t pass over the area.

Big Bog, Hawaii

The most aptly-named entry in the list, Big Bog on the Hawaiian island of Maui is considered the wettest place in the US with an average annual rainfall of 10,272mm.

Found at the edge of Haleakala National Park, it wasn’t until 1992 that scientists installed a rain gauge to check if their rainfall estimations of the location— which stood at only 4,572mm per year — were correct. They were proven wrong and the 1994 data showed that there was precipitation at Big Bog of 14,224 over the year!

This article was put together by Fulton Umbrellas, leading provider of premium Windproof Umbrellas, using data from WorldAtlas.

Once the excitement of receiving a wedding invitation has worn off, it’s time to start planning your outfit. Choosing a guest outfit for a wedding in the UK is hard enough, but what about if you’ve been invited to a wedding of a different culture? Together with Charles Tyrwhitt, retailers of timeless menswear, we look at how the dress code of a wedding changes depending on the background of the newlyweds.

What will the bride be wearing?

Brides are known in the UK for their flattering white dresses, accompanied by a long train and veil. But how do our own bridal traditions compare to India, Japan and China?

India

In India, the lady’s dress depends on the region of India that they’re from. In some regions, the bride wears a saree which is a garment that looks like a long drape, in others she wears a lehenga which is a long skirt. Often the bride is dressed in red or another vibrant colour, her garments will be carefully embroidered with an impressive design.

The bride and her bridal party often have henna on their palms, hands, forearms and legs.

Japan

Japanese weddings are very elaborate and it is acceptable for families to spend close to £75,000 on a wedding day. It is often the parents of the couple who organise the wedding, and they are willing to spend excessive amounts to save face. Because of the large scale of the weddings, the bride can have as many as 5 costume changes!

At a traditional (Shinto) wedding, the bride wears a white kimono, but more recently Japanese brides wear a dress that has a traditional print.

China

In China, it is likely that the bride will be dressed in red as it is considered a sign of good luck that can warn off evil spirits. In some regions, typically in northern China, the traditional attire for a bride is a one-piece dress that is embroidered with gold and silver designs. In southern China, the typical wear is a two-piece frock.

A bridal crown is part of the wedding costume for some brides too – it is worn for photography or for show at a grand occasion. For footwear, a special pair of shoes are often worn that are embroidered with a symbol — for example, a turtle or a deer which symbolises happiness and longevity.

What will the groom be wearing?

The men often have traditional dress codes that they are expected to follow – however, many of them are opting for a smart suit similar to how a groom in the UK would dress.

India

Similar to the women, it depends on what region of India the groom is from as to what they wear. Some husbands-to-be wear traditional dress, such as a dhoti which is a rectangular cloth ties around the waist. In other regions, they wear a sherwani (a long coat), a kurta (loose falling shirt that hangs below the knee), or a Western suit.

The men also have henna on their bodies but it is less elaborate and often hidden.

Japan

Traditionally, a Japanese groom wears a wedding kimono for the ceremony and then changes into a tuxedo. The formal kimono that he wears is called a montsuki, and often displays the family crest. More recently, younger grooms start the ceremony in a suit too.

China

In China, the husband-to-be traditionally wears a black silk coat over an embroidered robe. Often, in the modern day, the overcoat is not worn.

The groom has to wear certain headwear too – this is usually a black hat with a red tassel. Some younger generations are not following the traditional dress code and simply wear a tuxedo or a Western-style business suit.

What should the guests wear?

It can be difficult to choose an outfit as a guest, as there are many traditions and symbols that you may be unaware of and you don’t want to offend anyone.

India

At an Indian wedding, the bolder your outfit is the better. Wearing vibrant colours will mean you fit in with the Indian guests. Guests should avoid white or black as these are colours worn for funerals and mourning in India. It is also advised that red is not worn either as the bride will probably be dressed in this colour.

Women guests should not bare their shoulders, wear low cut tops or short skirts as this can be seen as disrespectful — a jewel-tone dress with a shawl is one appropriate outfit. The Indian female guests will most likely be dressed in colourful sarees or anarkali suits. Jewellery is important for women too, choose a statement piece for around your neck with matching earrings and bangles.

Men often wear a tailored kurta with a pyjama and a dupatta (shawl) can be added over the kurta. For their feet, sandals, jootis or chappals are often worn as these are comfortable and prevent overheating.

Guests might also be expected to cover their heads if the wedding is held in a temple. For this, women can wear a long scarf or pashmina over their heads and men are usually provided with a head cover such as a large handkerchief.

An Indian wedding is often a long drawn out event (it could be three days long!) so make sure you are wearing something loose and comfortable.

Japan

At a traditional Japanese wedding, men were expected to be dressed very formally with a black suit and white tie. Now however, the dress code is more flexible and it is accepted for men to come dressed in suits other than black with various coloured ties. However, it is advised to avoid white clothes with black ties.

Women often wear dresses that are knee length or a coloured kimono to take on a traditional look. It is best to avoid showing any shoulder as this can be deemed a disrespectful.

China

When dressing for a Chinese wedding, avoid wearing red as this can be seen as trying to steal the limelight from the bride. It’s best to wear pink, peach or purple as these are all symbols of new life and happiness. A formal dress is suitable for a Chinese wedding.

Colours to avoid include black and white, as these symbolise mourning and black is considered to be the colour of bad luck.