Member Blog

We are delighted to announce that Searles Leisure Resort have now been awarded with the prestigious AA Holiday Centre of the Year award, which recognises the “very best caravan, camping, glamping and motorhome sites across the country”.

Based on guest reviews, and a secret visit by inspectors, the annual AA Caravan and Camping Awards are regarded as the highest distinction in the holiday parks industry. As overall winner in the Holiday Centre of the Year category, we are honoured to have won the award ahead of thousands of other holiday parks across the country.

THE BEST IN BRITAIN

Searles Leisure Resort is a family run holiday park and has been welcoming visitors to ‘Sunny Hunny’ for over 80 years. Thanks to the vision and hard work of four generations of the Searle family, a site which began life as a field for Hunstanton Beach donkeys to graze, is now one of the UK’s largest and best loved holiday centres.

Searles provides more than 800 holiday home and touring pitches, as well as luxury lodges available to buy, and many family-friendly activities, attractions and entertainment. Perfectly situated on the beautiful North Norfolk coast, Searles provides an unforgettable family holiday experience for visitors young and old.

Managing Director Paul Searles, the current custodian of the family business, summarises the Searles philosophy as one of:

“Continuous improvement and enhancing the guest experience. This is a business that never stands still and every year we want to offer something new to delight our visitors with improvements. Our business is making people and families happy”.

“A WORTHY WINNER”

In recognising Searles as the winner of the AA Holiday Centre of the Year award, the AA cited the “passion and hard work of four generations of the Searle family, and their quest for ever-rising standards,” they continued, “all the resort’s facilities are spotlessly clean, and there is a general feeling of pride from the friendly and hard-working staff.” The AA spokesperson concluded that “Searles is a very worthy winner”.

In receiving the award, Paul Searle was quick to pay tribute not just to the park, but to some 200 members of the local community who make up the workforce:

“Standards of customer service are an important criteria for these awards, so our team at Searles can take a major share of the credit for this achievement. So many of the reviews we receive from customers mention the great atmosphere here and delivering this is very much in the hands of our park team. We hope the publicity from this AA award will also benefit other local tourism businesses by putting the spotlight on north Norfolk as an amazing holiday destination.”

The AA Holiday Centre of the Year is the second major award won by Searles in recent months, following on from our recognition as the region’s perfect park destination in the holiday parks category of the Norfolk and Suffolk Tourism Awards 2018.

To book an unforgettable family holiday at the AA’s Holiday Centre of the Year, check out our special offers and book to get the best availability at the best price! Call 0808 109 9899 or Book Online.

Ensuring your employees are stable and positive in their jobs is essential in your role as a business owner or manager. More often than not, employees are not happy enough in their jobs because their employers don’t do enough for them. As time goes on, many business experts are setting the future state of employment and how businesses should be run. Keep reading to find out how you can deal with emotion at work as an employer.

Get expert help

When it comes to staff relations, it is important to seek some expert advice to ensure you are doing everything in the correct and legal way. For example, we recommend seeking the expertise of an employment law firm like the team at springhouselaw.com. Employment solicitors are able to help with a plethora of different things such as privacy policy, contract law as well as employee relations. With regards to emotion at work, employment solicitors can help you handle grievance, employment terms, redundancy and contract termination. It’s never fun to deal with these issues on your own as a business owner, so seeking expert advice will help lead you down the right track.

Offer great training

To keep your employees comfortable within their employment, you should do all you can to offer an excellent training program. It can become very difficult for employees to settle into their roles and be happy when working if they do not know the intricacies of their job. Therefore, if you develop and provide outstanding training and support, this will help them in turn. There is nothing worse than showing up at a job every day, not being entirely sure of how it works or how to do it. Make things comfortable for your team and keep their emotions settled throughout their term of employment.

Provide mental health support

Thirdly, you can also deal with emotion at work by providing mental health support to your employees. This can be done by you or you can outsource mental health support and counselling services for them. Work can become all too overwhelming for many of us, and this is especially the case now that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has hit. People are continuously worried about losing their jobs and falling through the net. Consistently remind your workers that their jobs are safe and don’t lie to them. Being fully transparent as a business owner is what your employees want.

Allow flexible working

Many employees can become too overstimulated and stressed at work if they have too much on their plate in their personal lives. It is becoming more apparent as of late that not everyone can handle the usual nine to five schedule. This might be due to family commitments or due to general health and wellbeing. With this, we recommend that you offer flexible working hours for your employees if possible. This is also more attractive to applicants and people jump at the opportunity of being able to clock in hours when they can. Flexitime will allow your staff to handle stress more easily and work on their own terms.

Treat your employees with kindness

Lastly and perhaps one of the most important ways to handle emotions at work is to treat your employees with kindness. It truly means a lot to employees when their employers see them as a person instead of a worker. Yet again, others want to keep their private and working lives completely separate. With that being said, it doesn’t mean you can’t ask your team how their weekends were.

The airport. For most of us, it’s a busy, chaotic, stressful place to be. After the frustration of parking, getting through security and then finally boarding your flight, it’s no surprise you need a holiday.

For children, the airport can be just too much to take. With so much going on, the rich combination of holiday excitement and airport boredom hits fever pitch. That’s a recipe for disaster.

It doesn’t have to be that way. With a little preparation, you can turn the airport into a deserving start to your family getaway. Here are five ways to make life at the airport easier, and make the journey part of your adventure.

1. Pack some airport entertainment

Long before you leave, take some time to think about what your kids will need to stay entertained. From gadgets and portable video games to a good old-fashioned colouring book, let children get involved with packing their own hand luggage.

Of course, snacks are also an excellent addition to your packing. Just be sure to strike the balance between treats your kids will enjoy and an overdose of hyperactivity-inducing sugar.

2. Play games from the moment you arrive

It’s easy to think of airports as boring when you’re a grown-up. But just think of all the exciting things to see and explore around the airport from the perspective of your child.

Again, a little preparation goes a long way. You could make your own airport bingo cards with things to spot and tick off, or plan a scavenger hunt that takes you from the entrance right through to the gate. And if that kind of preparation isn’t your thing, a game like “I Spy…” never gets old.

3. Fast track your way through security

Even with the best of intentions, you’ll never make every moment of your time at the airport child-friendly. Security can often be challenging – a long, uneventful wait that leads to favourite toys being taken and scanned by scary-looking people in uniform.

Our best tip here is to get it over and done with. Most airports now offer fast track passes from as little as £3 per person, so you can skip the queue and go to the VIP lane instead. It’s a small price to pay for getting your trip off to the best possible start.

4. Don’t get to the gate until late

Other than security, the gate itself is probably the most boring, cramped space in any airport. There’s nothing worse than arriving early to the gate and already struggling to get a seat for your frustrated toddlers or teens.

When you arrive at the terminal, get a sense of how long it would take to get to the gate. Be aware that some gates are quite a distance away. Then, forget the gate until the last possible moment and, instead, explore the terminal itself.

At best, you’ll find children’s play areas, a choice of shops, and plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from. At worst, you’ll probably find a lot more seating and space for your little ones to run around.

5. Look out for family-friendly services

Finally, always keep an eye out for signs that tell you about airport services, or speak to a member of staff when you arrive. A lot of airports go the extra mile to make things easier when travelling with children.

In particular, we’ve made good use of valet parking and family parking spaces, as well as early check-in services. We’re also big fans of airports that let you take your pushchair right up to the gate, then hand it over for last-minute stowing on the plane.

It’s hard to imagine life before the internet. All the information you could ever need on any subject is just a few clicks away and, armed with all that information, it’s theoretically possible for us to become experts on just about anything.

It’s no surprise, then, that we’ve seen a sharp rise in DIY holiday planning, which is often seen as a way to cut costs.

Why, then, according to ABTA, do 45% of holidaymakers still prefer to use a travel company or agent? Even people in the tech-savvy 18-24 year old age bracket prefer to avoid DIY holidays, with 62% feeling more confident when booking through a travel professional.

The fact is that there’s still no denying the expertise, experience and level of access that travel consultants can offer – that even the best comparison websites can’t.

Real world expertise

A travel consultant is fully embedded in the world of holidays – planning and booking trips to dream destinations is something they love to do and it’s something that they have done countless times  – their experience is really second-to-none. It is so important to book your holiday with an ATOL protected company like Not Just Travel as this will provide you with protection if anything goes wrong. A travel consultant will also provide you with a personalised service where your every requirement is catered for. 

A dedicated travel consultant can tell you:

• Where the best travel deals can be found
• What different destinations are like at different times of year
• Unmissable sights and special events
• What other people really thought of their most recent holiday

It’s all information that can be used to guarantee an unforgettable experience at the right price – one that’s tailored to your tastes, expectations and requirements.

Ease and reassurance

From the most elaborate trips to those that are seemingly straightforward, a travel consultant can ensure you have a simple and successful holiday experience at each and every stage.

When holidaymakers trust a travel consultant to plan their holiday, it’s because they can be certain that every stop, visit and journey has been planned with military precision. Every potential complication has been considered, everything is taken care of and, if anything changes, your agent is just a phone call away.

A premium service – without the premium

Planning and booking your own holiday may seem like a more affordable option, but it’s often a false economy. For only slightly more, an experienced travel consultant can help you avoid the hidden costs of a holiday you may not have considered – from overpriced currency exchange to costly connections.

At the same time, travel consultants often have access to deals that simply aren’t available as an individual. At Not Just Travel, we have a buying power of more than £1 million every day, giving us a unique advantage when it comes to finding a holiday you’ll remember at a price you’ll love.

And finally, it’s a question of value. The right travel consultant won’t just give you the same old trip you could’ve picked up through a comparison website. It’s a tailor-made, one-of-a-kind holiday where everything is decided with your needs in mind – where every detail is considered and nothing is left to chance.

Get in touch to try the travel consultant experience for yourself, and see how we could create your perfect holiday.

BDH Tullford Director David Hutchins (far left) explains the history of the Norwich-based company, changes to the printing industry and what he’s most proud of.  Set The Scene, Tell Us About The Origins Of BDH Tullford. How Did It All Begin? My father had set up print departments for several government bodies and private companies in the past and was running the UEA print department when he decided that he wanted to do it on his own. I was only 17 but he asked me if I’d become a partner with him and my mother. The three of us set up WH Hutchins & Son in 1968 and we were the first instant-print shop in Norwich. Several years later, I got chatting to a good friend of mine Owen Fox, [Director James Fox’s father]. His printing business, BD Studios, also started trading in 1968. We slowly started working for each other and decided it would be a great idea to link the two companies together. That was around 1989. Unfortunately, before the two companies were integrated, Owen passed away. His two brothers remained in the business, along with the director Tony Hawkes, and BD&H was formed. In those days, WH Hutchins was doing a lot of lithoprint, while BD Studios specialised in screen printing. What Prompted The Company’s Move Towards Point-Of-Sale Materials? A very big customer of ours was a company called Tullford Marketing. They manufactured pavement signs and point-of-sale materials mainly for the ice-cream industry. The director wanted to sell the company so we bought it from him around the millennium. We were already printing the panels for the signage so we forged relationships with local engineering companies to manufacture the actual hardware. That relationship gave us the introduction we needed to all the big ice-cream companies, like Nestlé and Kelly’s Ice Cream. It was a lovely opportunity and it’s taken the business in a new direction, opening completely new markets for us. The first order was for 10,000 pavement signs for Nestlé. It was a baptism of fire to fulfil that order because they had to be distributed around the country. We took on extra staff and extra factory space to successfully complete the project and we still work with them to this day. The name BDH Tullford evolved from the merger of those three companies. How Has The Printing Industry Changed Since 1968? The print industry has changed enormously, especially in digital printing. Although we now specialise in large-format digital printing, we’ve always maintained our skills as screen printers. We’ve got long-serving staff here who are very skilful at it and that complements what we do as digital printers. We can do some quite unusual things that other companies can’t do. For instance, some publishers want images printed on the spines or fore-edges of books. That’s quite a specialist process and, as screen printers, we can actually do that for them. Also, it means we can print onto pre-formed machine panels. While it’s a very old process, it’s a skill we wouldn’t want to lose because it enhances our services. It gives us lots of versatility.  What Are You Most Proud Of In The Company’s History? That BDH Tullford is still a family firm. It’s quite pleasing that we have staff who have been with us for more than 30 years and have moved with us. Several of them are coming up to retirement age and I’m proud of their loyalty.    Read the full interview on the BDH Tullford website. 

Gaming has seen its stock grow in the last decade and a half. Advancements in the performance of consoles as well as the rise of its marketability as a pop-culture cornerstone and as a profession have led the hobby and industry to a new tier. PC gaming is understood to be the pinnacle. It’s also the potentially most expensive way to do it. Despite this, and despite the plethora of options on the market which enable gamers to access video games at various price points, PC gaming sales went up 13% in the last year.

The Perks of PC Gaming

As mentioned, PC gaming is widely touted as the best way to play major and indie titles. The performance capabilities far exceed that of console or mobile gaming. Not only that, but they can be upgraded.

As technology develops games demand more and more of what’s running them such as memory, storage space, graphics capability and zero latency. Of course, there’ll be games which don’t have high spec requirements – either those smaller indie titles which are downloaded on console and PC or browser games for mobile like those at (for example) slotsia.com/uk/mobile-casinos/no-deposit and their PC equivalents – and there’ll be those which ask the world of it. Cyberpunk 2077 is an example of the latter, which, upon its release, was essentially unplayable on the PS4 and Xbox One – what were then the leading consoles.

Whereas console and mobile players have to wait for totally new products and upgrades to be released so that certain games run at a high quality, PC gamers can transform their rig with a single component, making them go from unviable to viable. Admittedly, these single pieces can cost as much as consoles, but if this one thing still creates a disparity between what the PC can do and the console can do, then the investment, if it’s possible, is potentially worth it.

Not only this, but, at their core, obviously, they are computers. These powerful machines can also accommodate other functions beyond gaming: working, video editing, cryptocurrency mining. So investment in them can cover multiple needs should gamers need them for employment purposes.

The State of the Market

In the last ten years, PC gaming’s sales have been steady, consistent. This is the first year where it’s seen major growth. This came during a year when the much discussed next-generation consoles from Sony and Microsoft were announced to be hitting the shelves. The PlayStation 5 and the Xbox X/S Series were tipped to close the performance gap between console and PC. Upon their releases, reviews and customers were backing this up: never before had consoles felt like a reasonable alternative to the PC gaming experience.

Mobile gaming, while immensely popular, and offering some similarities, in terms of game styles – like battle royales thanks to the PUBG mobile versions, for instance, and other simulation-strategy games – doesn’t quite exist in the same decision space as console vs. PC, so it’s impact on PC – in its current iteration – is minor.

Why are gaming PCs receiving such high interest? One reason may be the rise of streamers and influences. Most of them play on PCs and their fans may be swayed with their preferences and expertise – as well as their giveaways and discount codes. This is the exposure normalise PCs, overriding the assumption and narrative that they are niche and expensive.

The Future

PC gaming will face some technological advancements which could affect its growth – namely cloud gaming. While Google Stadia looks like it’s on a bit of a wobble at the moment, a medium which basically alleviates the need for top of the range hardware to process and run games, could see the necessity for premium rigs reduce. Mobiles could move to the forefront.

Also, as mentioned, another year of hype and another year of purchasable stock for next generation consoles could see them become more attractive to PC gamers should they wish to keep gaming slightly simpler.

Gaming PC’s sales figures are a reaction to certain contemporary trends. It makes sense that they’re doing well. As it’s not a surprise, then, is the assumption that it’ll be a sustainable growth – that what is happening may not entirely bottom-out and plummet?

Illya Shpetrik was born to a middle-class family in the 1980s with nothing truly remarkable in his life. However, he has now amassed an impressive portfolio of fashion work and a lot of charitable work to go alongside it. Illya Shpetrik is not a fashion designer and inventor who craves the spotlight. As he puts it: “it is easier to foist yourself into the limelight with unimaginative fashion concepts. The brand that is Illya Shpetrik is all about the innovation and inspiration that makes fashion, what it is today; the limelight is not even secondary to that…it’s tertiary.”

Shpetrik has always had a strong interest in the world of fashion and the wider culture that surrounds each and every piece of clothing we all wear. He did however, at a young age have somewhat of an epiphany when his mother, a supermarket worker came home with her shopping.

Even at the young age of six years old, Illya realised that there was a lot of plastic and a lot of polluting materials at the heart of everyone’s shopping trip. His mother, coming home with a few plastic carrier bags, in which there were various items further packaged in plastic was all it took for his journey to fashion to begin.

A keen environmentalist who regularly donates to several environmental causes, Illya Shpetrik always strives to ensure all the clothing and all fashion he has a hand in is made from renewable and wherever possible, biodegradable materials. He understands the impact of fast fashion on the world, ecosystems and the wider environment and from the very start of his carer he has sought to be very different.

To find the inspiration that makes his work what it is today, Illya Shpetrik has travelled far and wide to inspire and educate himself. With his father currently living in Belize and his mother in North America, Shpetrik has naturally found himself travelling between north and south of the continent.

Having excelled in school in the sciences, particularly biology and chemistry, subjects Illya still holds dear, he is always conscious about what the make-up of any of the materials and products he uses could do if abandoned to the elements. This, Shpetrik believes is one of the key things that sets him far apart from all other fashion designers.

“Other fashion labels and designers create their brands and clothing and only when it is pointed out to them that their brands are being found across the world in landfills or even in the oceans do they take action. You will never, ever find an Illya Shpetrik label in any landfill and in any ocean. We do things the other, what I believe to be correct way round…what is the environmental impact of this design and these materials and thus, should we produce it?”

We all love to travel, but many of us are becoming increasingly mindful of our carbon footprint and are looking to stay somewhere that has strong values when it comes to sustainability. However, who says that luxury and sustainability need to be mutually exclusive? You can enjoy an eco-friendly break without sacrificing the finer things in life. Wherever you go in the world, here is our round up of some of the best go-to green destinations you need to add to your travel bucket list.

Botswana

Considered to be one of the one of the ‘greenest’ safari camps on the planet, the Zarafa Camp in Botswana is one of the country’s most luxurious places to stay. Guests can take advantage of the camps exclusive game viewing experiences and will stay in a luxury tent with an open layout bathroom which comes complete with a roll top bath, a private plunge pool and outdoor shower.

All the camp’s electricity comes from its dedicated solar farm, while ‘bio gas’ plants recycle waste into usable cooking gas on which to cook the most delicious meals.

Wildlife lovers will rejoice in the ample wildlife watching opportunities as 40% of Africa’s entire elephant population are in Botswana. Solar-powered boats and electrical vehicles are used for game viewing, with the aim to offer visitors a carbon and emission-free game viewing experience.

Italy

If you are in search of a secluded retreat which offers a holistic approach to not only your holiday but your well-being too, then you should look no further than the award-winning Lefay Resort & SPA Lago di Garda.

Situated in a 27-acre nature reserve, surrounded by olive groves and overlooking Lake Garda, this stunning eco-spa is dedicated not only to provide a holistic approach to guest health and well-being, but also to protecting the environment.

The resort is also completely carbon neutral too and prides itself on its commitment to sustainability

Retreat and relax in the innovatively-designed spa which is home to a saltwater pool and an infinity pool overlooking the lake.

Cambodia

Song Saa Private Island is Cambodia’s first luxury private island resort and has some seriously strong eco-friendly credentials.  They have recycling and waste initiatives in place and are involved in a variety of sustainability projects in nearby villages. They even have their very own Song Saa Foundation where guests can get involved with various community initiatives.

All the villas have an ocean view, a private pool and come with an effortlessly cool design which includes four-poster beds, Moroccan lanterns and carved statues giving it a real eco-chic feel.

Dine outside and enjoy the 360-degree views of the ocean which makes for a spectacular view point for both sunrise and sunset.

Switzerland

Situated in the pristine Swiss Alps, the Whitepod Eco Resort provides you with an eco-friendly yet glamorous experience. Guests can stay in a James Bond style pod which comes with your very own Bond style bed, champagne bar and private sauna.

White Pod’s philosophy is very much about saving the environment whilst getting away from it all. The pods are minimal impact which means that they utilise minimal water and electricity and only use renewable resources wherever they can. 

Kenya

Campi ya Kanzi (Camp of the Hidden Treasure) is an award-winning, boutique eco-lodge in Kenya that sets a new standard for luxury safaris that are also ecologically low-impact. It demonstrates that you can have the comfort and service of a top hotel without compromising on your green credentials.

Not only can you enjoy a luxury break, but you will be helping to support a meaningful conservation project. Campi ya Kanzi was built using only local materials that had fallen from trees naturally and their water is sourced from the rain using their special catchment system.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is leading the way as one of the world’s most successful eco-tourism destinations and is renowned for its abundance of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, volcanoes, fascinating wildlife and incredible natural beauty. Impressively, 98.1% of the country’s electricity came from renewable sources in 2016 alone.

The Lapa Rios Lodge is surrounded by over 1000 acres of protected rainforest and sits adjacent to the Corcovado National Park which is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Guests will stay in a thatched roof bungalow and can take advantage of the salt-based pool, yoga classes and Ayurvedic massages. They have several community-based initiatives which includes installing water pumps and solar panels to supply clean water and electricity to local communities.

Vietnam

The Topas Ecolodge is the only one of its kind in Vietnam and sits in an idyllic location in the spectacular Sapa valley. The lodge is based on sustainable principles to ensure it has a minimum impact on the surrounding environment. It provides employment opportunities to people from nearby villages and uses local products and goods to bring economic benefits to the community. Why not travel to Sapa by bus from Hanoi? The journey takes around eight hours and you can even take an overnight sleeper bus. Whilst you are in the region, why not take part in a trek thorugh the mountains? 

Why not speak to your Personal Travel Expert to organise a fabulous eco-friendly break today?

Head out to the world’s most iconic cities and lap up in the spectacular show they put on. Don’t limit yourself to a short-haul destination, when there are so many long-haul city breaks that tick all the boxes and more.  Switch it up with a city break further afield, followed by a beach stay after! The world really is your oyster.

New York, USA

The city that never sleeps is the ultimate city break; a dazzling hub of culture, history and entertainment.  From incredible shows on Broadway to catching a baseball game in the Bronx, you’ll never be short of activities. A must-visit is a trip to the top of the Empire State Building, get your camera ready for this one as the views are something else. To get your shopping fix, head to Fifth Avenue and indulge yourself with big names such as Saks, Tiffany & Co., Armani and more. Head to the home of the world-famous singing waitstaff and some of the best food in the country, Ellen’s Stardust Diner, and you won’t be able to stop yourself tapping your feet along with the show taking place around you.

Boston, USA

Think colonial history and cutting-edge innovation and you’ll have Boston down to a T. The restaurant scene is a dynamic experience, with a choice of acclaimed restaurants to local hidden gems you’re sure to find somewhere to please any taste bud. Each of the city’s neighbourhoods has a story, each with their own tone and style from Back Bay’s cosmopolitan streets to North End’s 17-century streets.  Today it’s known as one of the country’s most forward-thinking and barrier-breaking cities. Arts have thrived ever since the 19th century where Boston’s cultural stage has expanded the art, music and theatre scenes. Our top tip for Boston: eat as much seafood as possible and indulge in the local specialities! 

Toronto, Canada

Toronto is Canada’s east coast wonder city. It’s Canada’s answer to Manhattan, the young and vibrant city is infectious. It’s a top choice for a city break holiday and after just one holiday you will want to pack your bags and move here. Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, the easternmost of the Great Lakes, the surrounding Greater Toronto Area is the country’s cultural, financial and entertainment hub. This is what makes holidays to Toronto so attractive to people wanting to explore Canadian Culture. Canada’s largest city is buzzing and fast-paced, alive with fun and excitement making for a very enjoyable trip.  Toronto offers one of the best shopping areas in the world, so whether you are planning a shopping trip with friends or just want to squeeze in some retail therapy, the Eaton Centre should definitely be number one on your list.  

Dubai, UAE

It’s no secret that Dubai is a playground for young to old. With so many incredible attractions, amazing shopping and limitless dining opportunities, you really are in for a holiday of a lifetime. From beachside fun, indoor thrills to skiing in a mall, Dubai really does have it all. The Burj Khalifa is a true icon Dubai, standing at 828 metres high, the world’s tallest tower dominates the Dubai skyline, but you need to get up close and personal and venture inside to truly appreciate it. Head to the 124th floor for the observation deck for outstanding views of Dubai, topped only by the views for the Top Sky Lounge on floor 148. Located at the base of the Burj Khalifa, you’ll find an awe-inspiring water dance which gives the Bellagio a run for its money. This popular dancing water show jets water streams as high as 150 metres in the air.  

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur has long been in the running when it comes to an impressive city break, it’s a feast for all senses. You’ll find skyscrapers dominating the skylines, mega-sized shopping malls, epic street markets and lively nightspots. To truly connect with the locals, indulge in their two favourite things: shopping and eating. The glitzy malls are like nothing you’ve seen before full of designer fashion as well as bargains. As you stroll the city on foot, you’ll find yourself discovering some of the best dining spots: hawker stalls and traditional neighbourhood kopitiam (coffee shops)! 

Are you ready to book your next city break? Get in touch with your Personal Travel Consultant today!

When your pet is part of the family, they shouldn’t miss out on the holiday fun and we believe our four-legged friends deserve a break too.

Cornwall

As one of the most popular UK destinations for a getaway, this is sure to tick all the doggy-boxes. An incredible 51 beaches welcome dogs all year round, and a further 81 have seasonal restrictions. Several attractions found in Cornwall also welcome our dogs, so you can explore the area with the whole family in tow. Take a steam train ride along the Bodmin and Wenford Railway or explore the Eden project where dogs are allowed in outdoor areas on a lead. You can even head to Truro and introduce your dogs to stand up paddleboarding!

Devon

Thousands flock to the South Coast for its incredible coastal walks, great summer weather and miles of beaches. Some its finest attractions welcome dogs including The Donkey Sanctuary, the Miniature Pony Centre and the Devon Railway Centre which means your days out can include your dogs too. You can find designated sections of many beaches that allow owners to relax on the sand while their dogs run off their lead. Many of the country-side pubs allow dogs in on their lead, with many beachside cafes providing water and treats for our beloved pets. 

Peak District

The Peak District is an ideal holiday destination with your dog, with glorious views from up high, picturesque villages and attractions galore that welcome both human and dog.  Head to the Peak Rails heritage line running between Rowsley and Matlock and be welcome on board the train. For a relaxing drink, head to The Cobbles where you and your canine campions can enjoy views from a large beer garden and young and old can enjoy the play area. In fact, you can find over 100 dog-friendly pubs in the Peak District area! 

Snowdonia

The best way to enjoy North Wales’ scenery is by climbing to its highest peak, Mount Snowdon’s summit, which stands at 1085m. The National Park here allows dogs on a lead, and as long as fitness permits, they can accompany you on the journey to the summit.  From high to low, head to Sygun Copper Mine which offers a fascinating day of adventure exploring underground, just bear in mind that the metal steps to climb could prove more difficult for larger dogs. 

The Lake District

A trip to the Lake District won’t be complete without experiencing some of their incredible day outs from Lakeland mountain walks to the Claife viewing station and the west shore of Windermere. After a long day of exploring, quench your thirst at the many dog-friendly pubs, we recommend The Snooty Fox Country Inn which dates back to 1624! For a cosy welcoming, head to Jasper’s Coffee House, rumour has it they’re the friendliest dog café in Kenswick. 

Wherever you and your pup want to holiday to next, let our Personal Travel Consultants arrange your dog-friendly stay in the UK.

With a new normal on the horizon as we consider a post-lockdown world of travelling, we wanted to highlight the top reasons why a villa holiday is perfect suit for your next holiday!

Private pools

We offer a wide range of villas across the world, with many providing access to a private pool. This means you can float around on inflatable flamingos until your heart’s content and not have to worry about anyone else! You’ll know that only those you are staying with will be using the pool and have peace of mind of the cleanliness standard.

Enjoy your own private pool with your villa. Your own private space

With your own kitchen in a self-catering villa, you won’t have to adhere guidelines set in place by hotels for social distancing as it will be your very own dining spaces! Take solace in knowing that your food is sourced and cooked by you, and no queues at dinner time.

Multi-generational families

After months of not seeing extended family, booking a large villa allows you all to travel together! From Grandma and Grandad to great-great-grandchildren, we can find a villa of any size to cater for the whole family. What better way to make up for lost time, than a home away from home holiday in a beautiful villa?

Freedom

Spend the days on your own time, with no set times for meals and entertainment, spend your days basking in the sun in your garden or pool, before getting out to explore the location the next.  Most villas will offer up a lounge, kitchen, bedrooms, garden and pool meaning that the whole family can spread out and enjoy their own space.

Ideal locations

Whether you’re wanting to switch off and forget about time in a quaint fishing village or be close proximity to a bustling town, the options are endless. Car hire is recommended to allow you to get out to explore if you choose a villa in a more secluded location, or maybe you just want to spend your holiday relaxing at home in your accommodation. Either way, we can find a destination and local that meets everyone’s requirements.

Whether you’re looking for a trip with the whole family or a weekend getaway with your friends, villa holidays can provide an incredible setting for your trip. Holiday in your own time, as you enjoy time with your loved ones in a home away from home.

Get in touch with your Personal Travel Consultant today to make your villa dreams a reality¬

On 5 March 2021 the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government clarified the Government’s amendments to planning and licensing law to support the reopening of outdoor hospitality.

The Secretary of State’s 5 March letter confirms the following Government support for the reopening of outdoor hospitality (some of which was already in place following recent amendments):

• The pavement licence procedure brought in by the Business and Planning Act 2020 to allow premises licence holders to place removable furniture over certain highways adjacent to their premises is to be extended to 30 September 2022. The current provisions allowing pavement licences were due to expire on 30 September 2021.
• Last year the Government extended the number of days on which permitted development rights authorised temporary events to be carried on from 28 to 56 days. Following a recent extension, the operation of this right has been extended to 31 December 2021. This right may also be used by pubs to authorise the erection of marquees for up to 56 days in the calendar year (to the extent planning permission was required for this anyway). This right does not apply to listed buildings or land within the curtilage of a listed building, for caravan sites, for the display of advertisements and certain other exclusions apply to land which is within a site of special scientific interest.
• A permitted development right originally introduced on 25 June 2020 to allow a local authority (or an entity on behalf of a local authority) to use land to hold a market has been extended to 23 March 2022 (provided the land is not within a site of special scientific interest). In the context of this permitted development right, “local authority” includes a parish council.
• Permitted development rights allowing restaurants, cafes and drinking establishments to serve takeaway food have also been extended to March 2022, subject to certain conditions and limitations.

At the time of writing we are waiting for the secondary legislation to give effect to the extension of the pavement licence regime. It is not yet clear whether this legislation will also provide for the temporary modification of the Licensing Act 2003 to allow for temporary off-sales of alcohol which was introduced by the Business and Planning Act 2020 at the same time as pavement licences.

In addition, those looking to take advantage of the various permitted development rights highlighted by the Secretary of State are advised to familiarise themselves with the conditions and limitations which apply to them. Care should also be taken on a case by case basis to examine existing planning permissions (and their conditions) and any planning obligations affecting premises, as well as any applicable Article 4 Directions or title or tenancy restrictions which may affect the operation of these rights.

If you wish to discuss the implications of the COVID-19 virus and the Government’s response to it for your hospitality business please contact one of our specialist Leisure & Tourism sector team.

The information on this site about legal matters is provided as a general guide only. Although we try to ensure that all of the information on this site is accurate and up to date, this cannot be guaranteed. The information on this site should not be relied upon or construed as constituting legal advice and Howes Percival LLP disclaims liability in relation to its use. You should seek appropriate legal advice before taking or refraining from taking any action.