The Best Destinations to Disconnect from Everything

By now, basically everybody knows that our digital devices and the things we do on them, such as scrolling social media can often be addictive or time draining. Like all addictive things, we know we need to strike a healthy balance as phones and social media can be a fantastic tool but it can also be a very big distraction as well.  Besides just setting time limits on our schooling, stepping away from our usual environment can. be beneficial as well. We’re so familiar with it that it doesn’t always provide enough stimulation to keep us away from our devices. However, people are now catching on to the fact that ditching their devices when travelling somewhere new and exotic is an excellent way to break their habits. This has led to a new type of tourism called digital-free tourism, or DFT. Many tourists like to combine going digital-free with spending time in nature and focusing on their health and wellness.  This is your mini guide to destinations that offer all of these thing......

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Did you know these 10 interesting facts about Wales

Whether you’re looking for an end-of-year break or planning your staycations for 2025, Wales is one place many have on their ‘need to visit’ lists and for good reason. I feel very grateful to live in beautiful Wales as it has so much to offer and it's a place I love to share with my readers.  A land of folklore, dragons and stunning countryside, there is so much to discover in Wales. With this in mind, I wanted to bring you ten interesting facts about the land of the red dragon that you may not know. Whether you share these facts with your family during your road trip to one of the many activity holidays UK Wales offers, or you want to stun your friends with your random facts during a pub quiz, here are ten facts about Wales… 1. Did you know… Wales is home to seven cities? The capital is Cardiff, followed by Wrexham, Newport, Swansea, Bangor, St Asaph and finally, St David’s. 2. Did you know… there are estimated to be over three million people living in Wales. According to the 202......

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Tips for driving in Wales’s beautiful but challenging terrain

Wales, is currently where I call home and a place I love to explore as it's renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, from rolling hills to rugged coastlines and my boys and I certainly make the most of it. However, these scenic vistas come with unique driving challenges that can catch even experienced motorists off guard and it's something I've personally experienced.  Whether you’re exploring Snowdonia or heading down the Pembrokeshire coast , these practical tips will help you stay safe and confident on the road. Preparing for varied weather conditions Wales is known for its unpredictable weather, which can change dramatically within a few hours. When setting off, always check the local forecast, but also be prepared for sudden shifts, particularly in the hills and valleys. Rain is common, and mist can settle quickly in lower areas, especially early in the morning or evening. Good car tyre condition is critical for maintaining traction on wet or slippery roads. Before y......

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Where to Eat the Best Pasta in, Bologna According to the Bolognese

Bologna, known as the gastronomic capital of Italy, is the heart of traditional Italian pasta. Famous for its tagliatelle al ragù, tortellini in brodo, and many other pasta delicacies, the city offers a culinary journey that reflects the history and culture of the Emilia-Romagna region. But where do the locals—the Bolognese—go when they want to indulge in the best pasta the city has to offer? In this article, we explore some of the top spots in Bologna that are highly recommended by locals in 2024. 1. Trattoria Anna Maria Located at Via delle Belle Arti, 17/A, Trattoria Anna Maria is a true institution of Bolognese cuisine. For over 30 years, this trattoria has been serving some of the best tortellini in brodo and tagliatelle al ragù in the city. Anna Maria herself oversees the kitchen, ensuring that the recipes handed down through generations are meticulously followed. The pasta is handmade daily, with the thin sheets of dough being expertly rolled by sfogline, traditional pasta maker......

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Things to consider when choosing a hotel in Manilla

For many the capital of the Philippines, Manila is a destination many travellers find themselves heading too at some point and there is little wonder that its popularity continues to grow as visitors are met with a rich assortment of enjoyable ways to spend their time, in what is a bustling cosmopolitan city full of vibrancy and excitement as well as its many attractions. The milder climate is one of the things that make a stay so enjoyable, as are the hospitable locals going about their daily lives as the streets teem with markets and something on every corner to take in. Nighttime sees parties, as the many cultures that make up the nation collide to provide fun, with the local cuisine also playing its part. The ideal way to make the most of such a holiday is by typing Manilla 5 star hotel into a search engine and then consider the following factors before booking. To really make the most of a stay in a foreign land is to really feel like it represents the location. There are so many......

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How to Make Simple and practical Improvements to Your Garage

Having a garage can be an incredibly useful space to have, yet for many, it becomes a dumping ground for stuff that doesn't fulfil its potential. If you are lucky enough to have a garage is it’s just being used as a storage dump or a place to park the car? Well you might be missing out on the true value this space can offer. Your garage doesn’t have to be a cluttered afterthought, with a few smart changes, it can become a well-organized, functional extension of your home.   1. Maximize Wall Storage When you think of extra storage, your first thought might be to add shelves or cabinets. But have you thought about maximizing vertical space? The walls of your garage can be a treasure trove of potential storage. Wall-mounted racks, pegboards, and cabinets can transform your garage’s capacity without taking up valuable floor space. Hooks can be installed to hold bikes, ladders, or even gardening tools. With a pegboard, you can create a customizable storage solution for smaller items lik......

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Novotel Cardiff Centre Hotel - Family Review

We recently had some major renovations done on our home, which involved taking down walls, and levelling the floor and we were somewhat under-prepared to the reality of working on a building site and living in constant dust and rubble. So on a whim I decided the boys and I really needed a break for 24hrs so I found a very good rate using the Hopper App for a family room at the Novotel Cardiff Centre hotel and wanted to share our experience of this well-located hotel in the Welsh Capital. Firstly the hotel is within walking distance of the city and major train station, we decided to drive and they have plenty of parking connected to the hotel although there is a charge of £10 per night to park, however, this is still cheaper than parking anywhere else in the city for that long of a duration.  When we walked in we loved the reception interior, it's modern and cool with very high ceilings but also exposed brick for a warehouse feel. The staff were very friendly and made both the boys......

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Top family-friendly locations in Turkey

Turkey has firmly established itself as a leading destination for family holidays, thanks to its blend of cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and fun-filled activities. As well as being a location that offers something for every type of budget from low to high end, making it an accessible destination for most families.  With over 3.16 million UK tourists visiting Turkey annually , it is one of the top choices for family holidays, offering a diverse selection of experiences that cater to different age groups and tastes. Turkey's consistently warm and sunny year-round climate also makes it a great destination for a spot of winter sunshine to help you recharge your batteries and get a nice dose of Vitamin D.  From beach resorts to cultural explorations, there’s something for everyone in this sun-soaked paradise. Let’s take a look at what the top family-friendly Turkey holidays and destinations are on offer. Antalya Antalya is famous for its stunning beaches and range of ......

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How to Shake the Monotony when you Work From Home

The flexibility and convenience that comes with working from home is undeniable. However, the lack of a traditional office environment can sometimes lead to a sense of monotony and decreased productivity. If you're feeling stuck in a working-from-home rut, this article will provide a few useful strategies you can implement to revitalise your schedule, as someone who has been a freelancer for over a decade, based at home, I feel I have some insights into what does and doesn't work.  Create a balanced routine A semi-structured routine is essential for maintaining focus and productivity. While the flexibility of working from home is great, it's important to establish consistent start and end times. This helps to create a clear boundary and healthy balance between work and personal life. Set specific working hours : Decide on the times that work best for you and stick to them as much as possible. Take regular breaks : Schedule short breaks throughout the day to rest your eyes a......

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5 unique experiences to have in Sydney, Australia

Sydney Australia, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant cafe culture and iconic Opera house, it's a city with so much on offer and perfect for the adventure seekers out there who love to embrace the outdoors, fresh food, stunning coastline, arts and entertainment that this diverse and cosmopolitan city has to offer.  Sydney is also blessed with mild winters, warm summers and plenty of sunshine, making it the perfect destination for those who love being active and outdoors, here are 5 unique experiences to have in the city to ensure you have memories for a lifetime.  1. Learn to surf Bondi Beach Learn to surf on the world-famous Bondi Beach, you won't regret it. Bondi is a magnet for surfers of all skill levels including complete beginners. Not only does it offer a consistently great surf break but also stunning golden sands. There are plenty of surf schools at Bondi that offer lessons and equipment hire.  2. Harbour Helicopter tour With a jaw-dropping coastline and icon......

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Online games that help the brain

Just like our bodies, we have to keep our minds active and healthy and we can do this in a variety of ways. We all know getting a good night's sleep is key as is a balanced diet but social connections such as seeing friends as well as mental activity such as doing puzzles, reading and playing games. There are a variety of games online that can help improve our memory, concentration, language skills and overall brain health and many are free and fun to use. Here are 5 online games you can play for a few minutes a day that can help keep your mind in tip-top shape. 1. Sudoku This logic-based number placement game relies on short-term memory and can also help improve your recall. It's fun and challenging and you can play it online or paper version and increase the difficulty level as you get better.  2. Scrabble Yes this classic word game does require more than one player but you can easily play against others online or via the Scrabble app or you can play against the computer . Sc......

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