Posts by : Izy Berry

We all want to save money, but often we assume that to really build up our savings we’ll need to make huge sacrifices to the way we live, and it can seem too hard.

However if you’ve got a big goal, and you want to travel overseas, buy a house, or start a family, you’re probably well aware that you’ll need to save some money if you want to feel financially secure.

Here are some ways you can save money this year:

Pay yourself

Usually we think about saving in the completely wrong way. We pay our bills, go out with our friends, and we figure that we’ll save whatever is left before we get paid again. The problem? Usually there’s nothing left and we end up spending all of our money and not saving any of it.

The trick is to pay your monthly bills and then immediately transfer a set amount into your savings account. That way you’re saving and you know that anything left is the money you can use to go out with your friends, order takeout, go shopping, or do whatever you like. Commit to saving 10% of your income each month and then slowly increase the amount you’re saving. The more you save, the more you’ll want to save as well.

Stay in

There’s a reason why so many people are staying in and hanging out with their friends and family, and it’s not just because the clubs are becoming overrated. Staying in and having friends over means that you can have fun, interesting conversations without needing to yell over the music, you’ll save money that you would spend on bar covers and expensive drinks, your waistline will thank you, and your savings will keep adding up.

Win online

Watching sport is fun, but it’s even more fun when you know your team is winning and that money will be going straight into your pocket. Sports betting is a great way to win money that you can then save, and you’ll also be saving money as you won’t need to go to a casino and instead you can bet online.

Take food to work

Eating out and getting a daily coffee can quickly add up. The answer? Go shopping in the weekend and buy enough food for some fresh, healthy, delicious lunches. Sure, it’ll take a couple of hours on Sunday to cook everything, but future you will thank you when you can quickly grab a healthy packed lunch out of the fridge and take it into work. You’ll save lots of money that can then go straight into your savings account, and you’re likely to find that you lose weight and feel far more energetic and healthy than you would if you grabbed fast food with everyone else from work, went to the office cafeteria or relied on an expensive coffee every day.

If you have a significant other, take turns packing lunch for each other and see who can be the most creative.

If you ask someone who hasn’t been there in a few years what they think about Leeds, they’re likely to recount a rather grim tale of an industrial city that has little to offer the modern tourist. But the reality is surprisingly different.

Today, Leeds is one of the fastest-growing cities in the UK, and it has more to offer visitors than ever before. You’ll find everything from ancient ruins to cutting-edge couture in this fascinating city of contrast. And while the Industrial Revolution played a strong role in making this city what it is today, the fact remains that the soot and smog have long been replaced with lovely gardens, intriguing art galleries and a palpable sense of excitement for a city that’s being reborn. But is there good nightlife in Leeds?

Let’s have a look at what’s currently going on in this city. As you’re about to see – if you haven’t been to Leeds in the past 10 years or so, it’s probably time to pencil in a visit in the near future.

Sightseeing Attractions in Leeds

Leeds is often dismissed by travellers and Britons alike as an industrial city with little to offer in the way of art, culture and history, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. This city boasts an outstanding collection of museums, galleries, gardens and medieval ruins – enough to keep visitors engaged for several days on end.

• Kirkstall Abbey
  Founded by Cistercian monks in the mid-12^th century, Kirkstall Abbey is easily the most spectacular medieval structure in Leeds. And as many historians will tell you, this is also one of the best-preserved abbeys of its kind in the UK. Its ruins loom over the banks of the River Aire on a picturesque plot, and you can easily imagine the bustling scene of monks carrying out their daily lives here. Nearby is the Victorian Abbey House Museum, where a guide in period dress will lead you through reconstructed shopping streets and a few period houses.

• Leeds Industrial Museum
  This is perhaps the best place to learn more about the industrial history of Leeds. Housed in what was once one of the largest textile mills in the world, Leeds Industrial Museum is located a little over 3 km west of the city centre. The on-site displays cover all of the bases, beginning with a look at the machinery and equipment that powered the mill during the industrial revolution, but going on to explore the human cost that was wrought through dismal working conditions. In short, the museum considers how an industry managed to make a community wealthy whilst exploiting its working-class citizens at the same time.

• Roundhay Park
  One of the largest parks in all of Europe, Roundhay Park offers a vast collection of plantations and gardens, each with its own theme. Highlights include the Spanish-inspired Alhambra Gardens and the exotic wildlife found in the Tropical World gardens. All of this hinges on Waterloo Lake, where herons, grebes and swans can be seen gliding across the water’s surface.

• Royal Armouries
  For many visitors, this is the most interesting museum in Leeds. When it launched in the 1990s, it was intended to house surplus weapons and armour that were found in the Tower of London, but the scope quickly broadened. Today, the museum is dedicated to the exploration of three millennia’s worth of combat and defence. It really is a dazzling display, with exhibits covering everything from medieval jousting to elephant-based warfare in Asia.

• Henry Moore Institute
  The name of this gallery is admittedly deceptive, but don’t let that put you off visiting. Henry Moore graduated from the Leeds School of Art, which is at least part of the reason that his name is attached to this particular institute. However, you won’t find any of his work on display here. What you will find is a fascinating showcase of sculpture from the 20^th century. If you’re looking for Moore’s work, you’ll find it in the Yorkshire Sculptural Park, some 32 km to the south of Leeds. If you’re thinking of arranging a taxi for such a journey, find a list of Leeds taxi numbers here.

• Leeds City Art Gallery
  This is the main art gallery in Leeds, and it is brimming with work by well-known British artists.             In fact, most critics will tell you that this is England’s best collection of 20^th century art found outside of London. You’ll find a host of exhibits here, covering everything from the French post-Impressionist movement to contemporary British sculpture. A rotating selection of temporary exhibits ensure that no two visits are the same.

Entertainment in Leeds

In addition to an outstanding collection of sightseeing attractions, Leeds is also home to a thriving arts and entertainment scene. This is quite an accomplishment, too, when you consider the fact that there was very little happening in the city centre a little more than a decade ago. Today, Leeds is a shining example of what a few years of dedicated redevelopment can accomplish for an ailing industrial city.

To be fair, the more cultured musical scene has been successful for some time now, with classical music, opera, dance performances, theatre and jazz regularly scheduled. More recently, licensing restrictions have relaxed in the city, meaning more modern dance clubs and late-night entertainment are venues are now able to host their own events.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing evening in the pub or a late-night, dance-till-you-drop outing with friends, you’ll find plenty of options to accommodate you here in Leeds. In fact, it’s probably safe to say that there has never been a better time to spend an evening out in this ever-evolving city.

Preparing for a Visit to Leeds
Leeds is very much a 21^st-century city with ample facilities to accommodate the modern traveller. The best way to prepare yourself for a visit is to do a little online research to determine where you would like to sleep, eat and explore during your visit. Furthermore, it’s also a good idea to jot down important contact details before you arrive. That way, you’re prepared to have a good time from day one.

Whether you’re traveling across state lines to visit friends and family or hopping on an overseas flight to seal a business deal, there are certain gadgets that you’ll want to bring along. The following highlights a few of these helpful technologies that can make your trip a bit easier, no matter how far you’re going.

Smartphone

Bringing your smartphone along on your travels is definitely a no-brainer. After all, how else are you going to make phone calls, send messages and use your favorite apps to check flight times, book hotel reservations and find directions? Smartphones like the LG G5 make for perfect traveling companions thanks to their jack-of-all-trades capabilities such as the high battery life and 8MP camera, allowing you to take those perfect holiday snapshots.

Phone Battery Pack

While today’s smartphones pack a powerful punch when it comes to features and capabilities, it’s not unusual for the average smartphone to lose its juice before the day is out. A convenient pocket-sized phone battery pack can help keep your smartphone charged up and ready to go, even when you can’t find a power outlet for your charger. Most external battery packs feature cables that accommodate the most common charging connectors in current use, including micro-USB and mini-USB.

Universal Plug Adapters

Traveling to a different country often means running into different plug standards and getting the right power cord for your devices that’ll fit is often an expensive endeavor. Having a set of universal plug adapters on hand means you can plug in your power cords and keep your devices charged. Just be aware that some countries also operate on different voltages, which means you’ll also need a power converter to avoid any shocking surprises.

Digital Luggage Scale

Airlines can be sticklers for carry-on and checked luggage weights, which could result in added fees if those gifts and souvenirs you picked up add an extra pound or two to your luggage. A compact digital luggage scale can help make overweight luggage a thing of the past. The digital readout makes it easy to see precisely how much your luggage weighs so you can stay within airline guidelines.

In-Ear Headphones

In-ear headphones are a must-have on long flights and bus rides, especially if you plan on watching a movie or listening to music to pass the time. Designed to nest within your ear, these headphones deliver clear quality audio in a discreet way that doesn’t bother others around you. The vast majority of in-ear headphones feature a universal 3.5mm jack that fits in most smartphones, tablets, laptops and music players. Some models even feature their own external volume control and noise-canceling technology.

E-Reader

It might not be a tablet or a smartphone, but never underestimate the humble e-reader’s outstanding capabilities. For starters, the average e-reader can hold hundreds of e-books and display them on a clear and easy-to-read e-ink display. It’s also capable of lasting for days on end on a single battery charge. Many models also feature built-in Wi-Fi connectivity to make downloading e-books that much easier.

Camera

In an age where practically every smartphone has its own built-in camera, a compact point-and-shoot camera seems, well, pointless. However, a standalone camera still has its perks. For starters, point-and-shoot cameras feature larger sensors that allow for larger, more detailed photos. Along with better picture quality, compact cameras offer better and more powerful optical zoom capabilities. For budding or seasoned photographers, there’s also the manual control that a compact camera offers when compared to a smartphone’s built-in camera.

Investing in some of these top pieces of travel technology, or even making sure you pack them if you already own them, is a certain way to assure you have the best experience possible.

Planning a trip is consuming and exciting. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush and forget to add a few important items to your checklist. When making plans for travel, many people forget to search for travel insurance. Often people are quick to assume that their main insurance provider will cover any unexpected costs, or that they don’t have to worry about incurring additional expenditures. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case, especially when medical conditions are added to the mix.

Why Wouldn’t My Insurance Cover My Medical Bills When I Travel?

Healthcare delivery systems vary by country, and your insurance may not cover the cost of treatment at a private hospital. Private hospitals operate outside the public sphere, and as a result they don’t have fixed rate prices for medical procedures and tests. Since they can charge as much as they’d like for different procedures, the cost to have a procedure done can add up quickly – especially when you factor in the fees physicians charge for their services, and any lab work that must be done to assess your condition.

If you’re travelling in the United States, the cost of an unexpected medical emergency can produce a bill that could take months, years, or even decades to repay. Due to the incredibly competitive market and its heavy reliance on privatised healthcare systems, the costs of healthcare in the United States are some of the highest in the world. It is not uncommon for United States citizens with serious medical conditions to be forced to file bankruptcy because of their inability to pay the bills.

How Do I Protect Myself When I Travel?

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, it is important to shop for medical travel insurance before embarking on your journey. Even if you don’t, it is best to have some sort of cover, especially if you are planning to visit a country that relies heavily on privatised healthcare (such as the United States, Canada, Spain, and Greece). Don’t rely on being able to find a public hospital. Even in countries where the healthcare delivery systems are split, some procedures may be urgent enough to require you to seek treatment at a privatised hospital, and you’ll be left to pay the bill on your own.

What Is the Best Way to Find Medical Travel Insurance?

Shopping for medical travel insurance can prove to be an exhausting task, but you don’t have to do all the footwork yourself. Using services like Medical Travel Compared will save you a lot of time and money! Simply give them the relevant information needed to search for a policy, and they’ll provide you with a list of plans that you can choose from. You’ll be able to compare and contrast the different benefits that each plan offers and decide which policy will work best for you.

When you go on holiday, you want to make sure that you won’t have to worry about any unexpected events. Purchasing travel insurance will give you an added sense of comfort, knowing that when you embark on your adventure, you will be in good hands.

A few decades ago, travel was only for those who could afford it, but everything has changed thanks to low-cost airlines, budget travel packages and best of all, alternative holiday options. These days a trip away doesn’t necessarily mean expensive hotel rooms and fun in the sun – there are now so many opportunities for people who are seeking unique experiences and genuine happiness. And if you’re one those people, these 5 alternative holidays should be at the top of your bucket list!

 Health Retreats

If you’re feeling like you need a huge boost in your self-improvement journey, a health retreat is just the ticket. There are so many different options out there that offer personalised programs for a wide range of different needs, so make sure you pick one that suits your personal goals. Maybe you’re looking to lose weight? Choose a health retreat that targets your diet, physical and mental health while equipping you with the tools to be your best self. And it doesn’t hurt when you can achieve all this in a spectacular location – check out health retreats such as Chi of Life in Queensland, Australia for stunning scenery and exceptional programs.

Working Holidays

Have you heard of those people who work while holidaying overseas, and imagined how good it would feel to earn a wage and have a good time? There are a number of organisations that can connect you to a wide variety of jobs overseas. Perhaps you’ll be fruit-picking at an orchard, camp counselling at summer camp in the USA, or teaching English as a second language… the possibilities are endless! You can even learn to get a qualification that will result in a real job – like scuba diving or ski instruction.

Volunteer Holidays

As a volunteer, you get to experience a destination while gaining valuable work experience and making a positive impact. I’ve written before about how much I loved my experience volunteering as a teacher in Cambodia, but there are so many volunteer packages and institutions now that you can help in a way that’s meaningful to you. This is your chance to aid communities that need it the most, whether it’s by teaching a language, building homes or schools, or working to protect endangered wildlife.

Nature and Camping Holidays

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys being with nature, there are countless destinations where you can enjoy magnificent scenery and spectacular wildlife. For a marine experience, you can try places like Lady Elliot Island or Ningaloo Reef in Australia. Or perhaps taking long walks in lush rainforests interests you? There are plenty of trails in South America and South East Asia that are sure to inspire you. A visit to these remote locations is the perfect opportunity to disconnect from the urban world and camp underneath the stars – you won’t regret it!

We travel more than we ever have before, so it’s only natural that these types of alternative holidays are becoming even more appealing and accessible. What kind of holiday would you like to try next?

For decades, thanks to the Schengen Agreement and other bilateral treaties, Europeans have been enjoying the freedom of travelling around the continent without needing a visa. In the past few years, Europeans have also been winning the right to travel visa-free to other continents across the globe, as more and more countries waive their visa policies for EU citizens to favour tourism and business relationships.

If you have been dreaming of a holiday abroad, but don’t have the time to deal with bureaucracy, these are five fabulous destinations that you can travel to with nothing but your passport.

Japan

As of 2014, Japan has open borders for citizens of 67 countries, including European and North American citizens. All travellers need to have a valid passport and a return ticket when they enter Japan. Your stay, however, can be up to 90 days long: three months are plenty of time to travel through the whole of the country.

You can see everything, from the bustling streets of Tokyo to the magnificent Himeji Castle, stopping to admire the Great Buddha at Kōtoku-in and taking the time to visit Tashirojima, also known as Cat Island, where the feline population has outgrown the human one.

Caribbean Islands

If you needed one more reason to spend time in paradise, at the end of May 2015 islands including Grenada and Dominica obtained reciprocal visa-free travel to the Schengen Area: you no longer need a visa to take a holiday in the Caribbean. Truly Belong describe the Caribbean as being one of the ‘few places in the world that inspire serenity and encourage wellbeing’.

You could literally pack your bags and leave for a beach holiday tomorrow: there are direct flights from the UK and types of accommodation for all pocket sizes. The southernmost islands like Grenada are far away from the hurricane belt and boast fantastic sandy beaches like 2-mile long Grand Anse.

South Africa

If the Atlantic doesn’t cut it for you, then Africa might do the trick. You can soak in the sun for up to 90 days in South Africa!

This gorgeous nation is famous for its natural beauty, which is protected by several national parks and nature reserves. South Africa’s Kruger National Park, for example, is one of the world’s top safari destinations. If you can’t get tired of jaw-dropping wildlife, then go whale watching off the coast of Hermanus or Cape Town.

South America

European citizens can travel without a visa through most of South America. If you decide to make your way through the entire continent, you’re going to need all the time you get. Each country allows you to stay there for a different period of time; for example, you can spend 183 days in Peru.

Care to take a trip to Peru to visit Machu Picchu? Done. Want to see the giant heads on Easter Island? Take a plane from the coast of Chile and you’re there.

Orlando is one of the most popular destinations for people wanting to have a family vacation and it’s easy to see why. With so many incredible theme parks, easy access to Miami, Southbeach and the Everglades, you may want to add a few extra days so you can be sure that you’ll get to see everything.

Here are some reasons why you should rent a car if you’re planning to visit Orlando:

Flexibility

If you’re staying at a hotel that’s not park of any theme parks, you may find that while they offer shuttles to the theme parks, you’re completely tied into their schedule- meaning this will affect what time you can go to the park and what time you’ll need to leave.

It’s also important to note that if you’re planning to visit during any peak seasons like the holidays, you may be waiting an insanely long time for Disney transportation, which can be bad news if you have young children in the Florida heat.

Having a rental car ready to go will allow you to go wherever and whenever you want.

Airport Transfers

Most of the hotels that aren’t part of the theme parks don’t provide airport transfers, meaning that if your whole family needs to get to the airport you can expect to be paying for a shuttle or taxi. If you do stay at a Disney Resort and you’re getting an international flight, you’ll be picked up at least three hours before you leave. Because this will also depend on who else is getting the shuttle, you may find yourself spending a long time at the airport with cranky kids who need more sleep.

Time Savings

Choosing to rent a car in Orlando will mean that you can get the most out of your vacation. If you want to head down to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Key West, or the Everglades you can just pack up the car and take a day trip or book into a hotel for a night when you’re there. These time savings are incredibly important, especially if you’re traveling with kids who may not do too well if they’re stuck on a bus for four or five hours.

You’ll also find that you’ll save time when you need to do errands- grabbing a bite to eat, picking up a change of clothes, etc.

Money Savings

Many people are unaware of just how much money they can save by choosing to rent a car. When you look at the price of a taxi or Uber (particularly if you have enough kids that you’ll need a van or two cars), this will quickly add up to just as much (if not more) as the car hire but without the freedom that hiring a car will give you. To compare prices and see the kind of savings you can make, check this out today.