Grand National Goers. Get Ready for 2018!
There’s nothing more exciting than setting off for the races. The excitement of winning at the track. The buzz. The booze. The chips and sausages. With Aintree’s Grand National Racing Festival just around the corner, it’s time to prepare! Book yourself in, pack your best clothes for Ladies Day and brim your purses and wallets for the racing extravaganza of the year. Anyone reading this who is totally new to the racing scene, read on to learn some more about the Grand National Festival.
When is the National on?
The racing festival runs over three days in April from Thursday 12th until Saturday 14th. The Gold Cup is the grand finale race on Saturday, ending the 21 race meeting.
Aintree Racecourse. Where is it?
The famous race kicked off way back in 1839, with Aintree Racecourse hosting it. Aintree is 6 miles outside of Liverpool in England. It is a pretty direct road route from John Lennon Airport in Liverpool or from Manchester either.
Betting on the Grand National
If you’re off to the races, surely you will make a little bet! There’s nothing more exciting than watching a race and cheering on your chosen horse, eying up the finishers, as they cross the line. Will it be a photo finish? Who’ll come around the outside on the second to last? The final furlong is where it all happens, with many wins coming in at the last few seconds right in front of the crowd. It’s spot exciting! Looking for where to bet on Grand National? It’s pretty straightforward to make a bet. You simply pick out a horse, check for the odds, lay down your money and state whether you think the horse will win or be placed in the top positions. This just means if your horse wins, you will be paid for your bet, depending on the amount of money you put down and the odds of the horse at the time, or when it wins. Alternatively, if your horse finishes in the top 3/4/5 places, the bookie may pay out for that place, usually at 1/4 of the odds the horse was at. This is a safer bet but will cost you a bit more in order to win back a larger amount. If the horse wins and is backed each-way then you will win back money for the win and also for the placing of being 1st, so your winnings will be more.
Impress With Your Dress
Fashion, fun and frantic betting are all dishes on the menu for any race meeting, especially the big festivals like Aintree and Cheltenham. Ladies Day always attracts the fashionistas, from the media, boutiques and enthusiasts alike. Whether it’s a quirky hat, fur scarf or an audacious colourful dress to get you standing out from the crowd, the fashion police will be on the lookout for the best dressed, offering theme the Style Award, with the lucky winner taking home the fabulous prize of a car.
Remember, don’t bet what you can’t afford to lose. Don’t drink beyond what you can handle. Bring a nice warm jacket as the track may be cold. So if you’re into your fashion and lover dressing up (I mean, what girl isn’t!?), then dress to impress at the Grand National this year. You might just end up driving home in a new car!
Taste Without Waste
Do you ever over indulge? Or, cook too much food and let half of it go to waste? Well, it is extremely common and in the UK alone we waste up to 7 million tonnes of food and drink from our homes every year, that’s according to BPI Consumer Packaging who created a fabulous infographic.
Food waste has devastating impacts on the environment with companies producing more than is needed and wasting energy. Another issue is where the waste is stored; these areas can attract vermin and create unhygienic spaces.
There are some things you can do to reduce waste in your home, here’s a list of three top food saving tips.
Home Composting
Many councils provide food bins that are collected and the waste is then recycled in one of two ways.
- The first technique is referred to as in-vessel composting which creates soil conditioner from garden and food waste.
- The second technique is anaerobic digestion which creates biogas or digestate.
When at home you can try composting yourself, but remember there are two types of compost – hot and cold.
Hot composting is a quicker process with results in one to three months. For this you will need a bin and these ingredients: carbon, air, water and nitrogen. This is for more serious or experienced gardeners.
Cold composting will see results in a year but is a quicker process, to create this you simply collect garden, food and organic waste place in a pile or bin and wait for the materials to decompose.
If this isn’t for you then you could try to be a little savvy with your cooking and food shop, try these tips:
Cook Less
Many people cook way more than is needed, piling food onto a plate rather than eating little but often or in small portions. When making meals keep in mind who you are feeding, for example children generally eat less than adults, so prepare them a small portion. Children also change their mind like the wind, one day they like something and the next they don’t, so make sure they know what they are having before cooking something that they refuse to eat. Also, don’t cook for them cook with them, they are more likely to happily eat something they have created.
When it comes to occasions such as buffets and Christmas meals always remember who and how many you are cooking for. You don’t have to cook every potato in the pack you can save some for another occasion.
Freezing and labelling food is a useful way of ensuring that things are eaten before they are off whilst also maintaining their shelf life. Bread and meat are foods that can be frozen and consumed later.
Shop Savvy
First things first, make a list as this way you will know what you need. Try setting meals for each day of the week and include snacks in this so that you don’t go overboard. This could save you both time and money.
We are all guilty of over indulging on a food shop, mainly because we choose to go around lunchtime! However, be realistic, if a product has a short shelf life but comes in a pack of six, are you really going to eat all of them? Probably not, you may eat one or two, so look for a pack of two or choose something else.
Being more aware of what we eat can save both money and the environment so let’s take a bit more time to think before we make.
Here’s where I’m travelling in Europe this year
2018 is going to be a massive year for travel, and I’m super excited that I get the chance to explore so many amazing cities and countries. Here are just a few of the places I’ll be seeing this year, so let me know if you’ve been and give me your top tips for things to do and see!
Slovenia
Slovenia is located right next to Hungary, and I’m thinking we can do this as a road trip since it seems easy enough to rent a car.
This country is incredibly beautiful, with a mix of climates. The photos remind me a little of New Zealand, and Slovenia seems to be the place to go for hiking, skiing, horseback riding, canyoning, and caving. I want to see Ljubljana, the capital, which boasts a cute Old Town. I also really want to go to Lake Bled, which looks absolutely beautiful, and the Skocjan Caves which are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Serbia
As you can see, I like to visit countries that are a little different than the average European hotspot. Serbia has been on my list for some time, and I’ve heard great things about this gritty yet boisterous country. Not to mention, it’s one of the more affordable destinations in Europe. I’ve heard great things about Belgrade, yet the country also seems relatively easy to travel around so we can see a few of the national parks or smaller towns within a short trip.
Croatia
I’m desperate to visit Croatia, with its sparkling water and incredible beaches. On this list? The Krka National Park which is just a hop, skip, and jump from Split. Lots of the trails go to waterfalls and natural pools for swimming. Zagreb also sounds like a great place to visit, with the historic Upper Town full of cobblestone streets.
Of course, I desperately want to get to Dubrovnik before it gets even more overrun by tourists, since I’ve heard that you often have to line up just to get into the Old Town now. I’ve also wanted to do one of the island-hopping cruises for some time, and you can pick up plenty of cheap holiday packages for Croatia which makes it a cost-effective choice.
Portugal
Heading east now, but Portugal is a must-visit for me this year. Not only do I have friends here, but I’ve wanted to check out Spain’s cooler cousin for some time. Porto is the second largest city here, and I’m entranced by pictures of the old, colorful buildings. Of course, no trip would be complete without a visit to Lisbon, which is jam-packed with cozy restaurants and narrow, cobblestone streets.
Relax and Kick Back: Visit the Amazing Hersheypark While You’re in Harrisburg
The Hershey name is forever associated with chocolate for millions of us and when you come to Harrisburg you will be a short drive from the leisure and theme park that was originally created for employees of the famous brand.
The gates were first opened back in 1906 and a lot has changed since those early days, with the current Hersheypark creating a reputation as an awesome theme park with loads of fun rides and attractions.
Here is a look at what awaits you when you visit the amazing Hersheypark.
Thrill-seekers well catered for here
Many people combine a trip to Harrisburg with a day or two at Hersheypark and for roller coaster fans it is a perfect venue with fourteen different coasters waiting to be ridden.
If you stay at somewhere like the Courtyard Harrisburg Hershey you will be within easy reach of the park and you can plan your day ahead by deciding which attractions and rides you most want to try.
If you want the tallest and fastest roller coaster at the park Skyrush is the one to be heading for. It climbs to 200 feet in the air before rushing downhill at an adrenaline-pumping 75mph, and the ride includes five zero-G airtime hills and four high-speed turns.
Other coasters to try at Hersheypark are Sidewinder, Lightning Racer, Fahrenheit, and the Great Bear, so there is bound to be one that matches your enthusiasm and tolerance for thrills and spills.
Plenty of chances to make a splash
Another major part of the Hersheypark experience is the 11-acre water park which is included in the admission price for you to enjoy.
There are new attractions like the Breakers Edge Water Coaster to try and established favourites like the Coastline Plunge range of rides and the East Coast Waterworks which everyone will exit from with a smile on their face and wet bathing suits.
You could easily spend a day at the park just enjoying what the water park has to offer.
Enjoy the show
Whatever the season, there are always shows and other forms of entertainment going on at the park.
The Aquatheater is a fun show that also manages to educate the audience about our friends from the sea, and there is comedy and magic shows going on during the springtime.
As you might expect, Halloween and Christmas are big events at Hersheypark, so check the website for a schedule of events when you know when you are coming so that you can plan your day.
Don’t forget the chocolate
Hersheypark was born out of the success of the chocolate business and you can’t really pay a visit to the park without checking out Hershey’s Chocolate World attraction.
You can even get the chance to experience chocolate making, see how technology has changed the manufacturing process and even get a free sample of one of the products.
Whatever you do with your time you will have an action-packed and fun-filled day or two when you visit Hersheypark while staying Harrisburg.
Top 5 Reasons to Go on a Beach Holiday
Most Expensive Hotels in Hong Kong You can Stay at
- Sometimes, we like to do things in style, and our vacations should be one of them. Don’t we all dream of spending a week in a luxury hotel room, savoring life, or sipping juice by the swimming pool. Well, all your dreams can come true if you continue reading about some of the most expensive and luxurious hotels you can stay at in Hong Kong. The prices may range from anything between HK $275 per night in regular season, while it can shoot up to HK $518 per night during the peak season. So, are you up for the game?
- The Upper House
The Upper House hotel is located in Pacific Palace, 88 Queensway in Hong Kong. Being a family hotel, the hotel is easily accessible by car and is very close to all the major shopping areas. Though all the rooms are simply fantastic, you can choose an Upper Suite with Harbor View which includes Free Wi-Fi, Breakfast and Pay at the Hotel/Pay Now as per your requirements. Apart from these, you can enjoy the following hotel facilities –
- Smoking rooms
- Parking facilities
- Restaurant/cafe
- Bar
- Concierge Service (they speak English and Russian)
- Babysitting service
- Laundry service
- Business Centre
- Gym
- Safe box, Mini Bar and Daily Housekeeping in rooms among others
The price range starts from HK $787 per night.
- Four Seasons Hotel
The Four Seasons Hotel is located in 8 Finance Street in Hong Kong. It is a luxury hotel and close to the IFC, at an awesome location. You can choose a King Premier room with Harbor view which includes Free Wi-Fi and a Pay Now option. You can also go for Premier twin rooms, the King Suite with Harbor View, the Grand King Suite with Harbor View which includes breakfast in addition to the above facilities. You can also choose the Deluxe King Suite option which includes a Pay Now/Pay at the hotel option. Apart from these, you can enjoy the following hotel facilities –
- Spa
- Swimming Pool
- Gym
- 24 hour Front Desk Service
- Bar
- Restaurant/cafe
- Business centre
- Laundry service
- Concierge service
- Parking
- Connecting rooms, Mini Bar and Safe Box as part of room amenities
The lowest prices are currently in the range of HK $514, and can go up to HK $518 in the peak season.
3. The Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton is located in the International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West in Hong Kong. Termed as the romantic hotel, it can be easily accessed by car and is close to major shopping areas. It boasts of breathtaking rooms, views and pools along with other facilities. You will enjoy the attention of a professional staff, and will be given excellent guest service. The hotel amenities include –
- Concierge service
- Laundry service
- Business centre
- Parking
- Fitness Centre
- Sauna
- Restaurant/cafe
- Bar
- 24-hour Front Desk Service
- 24-hour security
- Indoor pool
- Gym
- Spa
- Car power charging station
- Swimming Pool
- Smoking rooms
- Connecting rooms, Mini bar, Safe Box, Bathroom phone, clothes rack and complimentary instant coffee included as part of room service.
The lowest prices are currently in the range of HK $428 in January, and can go up to HK $643 in the peak season of September.
- The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel is located in 15 Queen’s Road Central in Hong Kong. Also known to be a romantic hotel, it is close to major shopping centers. You can be reassured of deluxe contemporary accommodation and a top-notch service. You will be offered the largest average room size in any other hotel in Hong Kong. You can choose your rooms from the L900 Landmark Suite which includes Breakfast and a Pay at the Hotel option. You can also choose from the other suite styles such as Suite Standard, Suite and Suite King Room. The hotel amenities include –
- Spa – The Oriental Spa which has a foot spa, fitness centre, indoor pool and a Pilates and Yoga studio.
- Swimming Pool
- Gym
- 24 hour Front Desk Service
- Restaurant/cafe- Comes with its signature Amber restaurant and the MO Bar
- Bar
- Business centre
- Laundry service
- Parking
- Mini bar included with room services
The lowest prices may range somewhere in HK $432 in February, but will hike up to HK $711 in September.
Therefore, these were some of the most expensive and luxurious hotels you can stay at in Hong Kong. You can either spend your holiday with your own pocket, or use your Expedia HK Promotion Code or Agoda Discount Codes to make things a little easier for your extravagant holiday plans.
Are you ready for Virtual Reality?
Mobile gaming continues to be a highly lucrative market with millions of users. As mobile technology continues to develop, the popularity of gaming continues to soar. Now, we’re seeing a disrupter to the industry- virtual reality. Virtual reality incorporates three-dimensional environments which allow users to interact by using electronic equipment.
Right now, the cost to experience virtual reality is around £1000. That’s because fewer than 1% of computers around the world have the graphics needed for users to get the full VR experience.
The danger is that VR will be forgotten as just another buzzword. But VR has massive potential, and can be used for applications in not just the gaming industry, but also business, travel, and medicine.
Right now, VR is when users put on a headset allowing them to ender a 3D world. They also put on specialised equipment like gloves, masks, and helmets which allow them to interact with the game.
As technology grows, gamers are no stranger to what most consider to be advanced technology. Graphics are becoming more real than ever before, and it can be easy to see why some people assume that technology is at its peak. However, VR offers a complete, immersive experience that allows gamers to interact with the game in ways that they never have before.
The gaming industry has historically been one that takes chances on new technology. For this reason, online gambling continues to grow in revenue each year, and is expected to reach over $59.79 billion by 2020.
It’s easy to see how far mobile gaming has come when you compare it to the old mobile games we used to pay. With tiny screens, bad wifi, and constant crashes, most people simply didn’t have the time or inclination to play online.
Luckily, technology continued to advance. We now have access to smartphones with much larger screens and the computers that make playing games fun and easy. Many of the latest games have promotional offers and bonuses which be used by people using any device- whether that’s a computer, laptop, or smartphone.
Since so many people are using their mobile phones to play online, many apps and sites have banking option which allow players to either pay monthly subscriptions or pay for games while they play. This makes it easier than ever for players to take a few minutes during their busy day and chill out.
What do you think? Are you ready for games that use virtual reality? Let me know in the comments below.
The Best Motorbike Routes in the UK
Riding a motorbike invokes a sense of adventure and freedom, so it’s the perfect form of transport for a road trip. The UK is a great destination for bikers as it offers some amazing routes, especially if you’re looking for roads where you can really try and get your knee down. No matter where you’re heading on your UK road trip, try to fit at least one of these not-to-be-missed motorbike routes on your journey.
Scotland – A82
If you’re looking for stunning scenery and wild hairpin bends, then the A82 is for you. 167 miles long, this route stretches from Glasgow to Inverness and passes through some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery. On your ride, you’ll be able to see Ben Nevis, Loch Lomond, Fort William and Glen Coe. Make sure you pack your camera, as you’ll want to make regular stops to take in the view.
Southern England – A39
If coastal roads are more your thing, then the A39 is a must. Starting in Bath, running to Bridgwater and then all the way down the Cornish coast to St Column Major, this route offers lots of bends and steep gradients. Ride over breath-taking moorland in Exmoor and pass the beautiful village of Clovelly and the Cleeve Abbey ruins. At the end of the A39, continue your ride and take the A392 to visit Newquay, or join the A30 for Truro and Falmouth.
Northern Ireland – A2
Another coastal route and known as the Antrim Coast Road, this Northern Ireland road is world famous. Beginning in Newry and ending at Kilkeel, the A2 is the perfect road for tourists. As well as panoramic views, rugged cliffsides and pretty Irish villages, the route passes the Giant’s Causeway, where you’ll find more than 40,000 columns formed during a volcanic eruption.
Wales – Bwlch y Groes
Sitting 1,788 feet above sea level, the Bwlch y Groes (or Pass of the Cross) is one of the most popular riding roads in Wales. Also called Hellfire Pass, it runs from Dinas Mawddwy to Llanuwchllyn and is used by Triumph to test new models. Also popular with cyclists, you’ll see picturesque views of Wales and enjoy a challenging route.
There you have it, some of the best motorbike routes in the UK. No matter which you choose, make sure you’re protected and comfortable with high quality motorbike gear and always ride safely.
Have you done any of these routes? Have you got any other favourite roads in the UK? Let us know in the comments below!
Top 3 Things to do in 2018
I love nothing more than the beginning of a new year, after all, it’s a clean slate, an opportunity to start afresh. This time of year is when I try to figure out all that I want to achieve in the following year, and if you’re like me then I thought you may enjoy some suggestions of things to do in 2018. Whether you’re hoping to travel more, learn more, or put more focus on your health, here are my top thing to do this year!
1. Become More Healthy
Focusing on your health is an excellent way to help yourself become more energized, positive and happier. There are a few ways you can focus on your health, from the physical health right through to your mental health. One thing that I find interesting about our culture, is that we study really hard up until about age 18. After that point, some of us go straight into the workforce and others continue learning at a college or another institution. As soon as we’re done with our formal education, we tend to stop learning anything new! What a huge shame. For 2018 make it your resolution to learn something new, whether it’s by studying math online using a free studying app or something more hands on. You can choose from the best online learning app or enroll in an in-person class or course. While working on your mental health, you can also try things such as meditation which is proven to help lower stress and has numerous benefits for creativity. Exercising regularly, whether walking your dog or playing in a team sport is an excellent way to get more physically healthy too!
2. Travel More
If you’re reading my blog, then I’m pretty sure you’re a travel lover just like me! Travel is one of the best hobbies I’ve ever had because it’s a complete sensory overload. New smells, new flavors, new sights and of course the best part: new friends! Choosing to travel more is a great way to spend your year. I love looking at World Maps and choosing where I want to go next. If you’re finding it hard to find money to get to your next top travel destination, try cutting down on your expenses on eating out such as buying lunch while at work and buying expensive lattes when out and about. This is such a small change you can easily implement that should hopefully leave you with a bit more cushion in your travel fund!
3. Express Gratitude
I’ve learned, as I’ve gotten older, that it’s not so much about getting what you want that really matters, but wanting what you have. Studies have shown that writing down three things you’re grateful for every day can do wonders for your happiness levels as a well overall sense of wellbeing. It’s such a small, fast hack you can easily implement into your daily life! While writing down gratitude can be lifechanging, if you fidn yourself feeling grateful for someone else’s help or influence in your life, take the time to write them a card and let them know!
These are my top 3 things to do in 2018. Do you have anything else you’d like to suggest? Let me know in the comments below.
How to Pack Like a Pro for a 2018 Vacation
Love it or hate it, carefully packing your suitcase is essential for an enjoyable holiday. It can, however, be a little stressful, especially if you are preparing luggage for the whole family. To help take some of the pressure off, all you need to do is read the following advice on how to pack like a pro for a 2018 vacation.
Consider the Weather at Your Destination
It is important to review the weather forecast before you head off to the airport, so you will know you have the right clothing in your suitcase. If you don’t, you may have to spend your travel money on additional clothing once you arrive at your destination. Learn more about the typical temperatures for the month you plan to visit.
Consider Your Vacation Activities
Think carefully about the different activities you might experience on your travels. Write a list of all the places and activities you plan to experience on vacation, so you can identify the best clothing to pack in your case. For example, temperatures can change when onboard luxurious Alaska cruises, as you might need lightweight clothes throughout the day, but you may need extra layers if heading onto the deck at night. You’ll also want to pack for the cruise itself, which could call for fancy dining attire to a swimsuit and light layers when on ship. You may also want to pack hiking boots for when the cruise docks and you’re able to explore the city you’re now in.
Choose Coordinated Outfits
Pack items of clothing that will complement each other, which will allow you to mix and match pieces in your wardrobe. Not only must your jumpers match your jeans, or your t-shirts match your shorts, but you should ensure you pack complementary blazers or jackets, so you can create different looks to vary your vacation style. Accessories can also shake up your wardrobe, so pack different shoes, scarves, purses, and jewelry.
Avoid Packing Toiletries in Your Suitcase
Unfortunately, toiletries can potentially explode in your luggage during transportation, which could result in you spending most of your first day in a launderette to clean your clothing. Many hotels often provide complimentary shampoo, conditioner, and soap to their customers, and you might be able to stock up on other essentials once you arrive at your destination. It will also provide a little extra space in your suitcase for other items you might need on vacation.
Pack as Light as Possible
Overweight luggage can result in charges once you reach the airport. For this reason, you should try to pack as light as possible to avoid dipping into your travel money. You should also take a carry-on bag, so you will have extra space for much-needed items.
Lighten the load by picking staple items that you can wear one or more times, so you can create different looks, so you will not have to pack too many clothes in your suitcase. If possible, you could simply leave the suitcase at home and take a carry-on, which is ideal for shorter breaks. You also will not have to wait at the baggage claim area once you step off a plane, so you can immediately enjoy your holiday.