Jessica Lippe

Rutland’s motto is “Multum in Parvo”, meaning “much in little”. As the smallest county in England, it’s certainly little but there’s an awful lot to it as well. If you live in London, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the high life around the city, but sometimes the way to experience luxury is to get some peace and quiet. Rutland is only a couple of hours away from the capital, and could offer you the perfect place to hide away if you want a quiet weekend. If you’re planning a trip away this spring or summer, you could do worse than spending some time in Rutland.

Choose Somewhere to Stay

Rutland might only be small, but there’s still plenty to do and it’s worth staying for at least a couple of days. Finding somewhere to stay should be your first step if you want to have a relaxing time. Luckily, you have a number of great options for a country house hotel in Rutland. Choose the right hotel and you can benefit from beautiful grounds and even a swimming pool. If you want something a bit smaller, you can also find some great guest houses, B&Bs and even pub rooms that will still offer you the comfort and convenience you’re looking for.

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Places to Eat and Drink

It wouldn’t be a luxury weekend away if there weren’t good places to eat. Part of the fun of going away is that you can eat what you want and explore the local food and drink culture. Rutland is home to the restaurant with the longest-held Michelin star in the UK, and there are other fantastic restaurants on offer too. But if you’re not looking for a 2 AA Rosette restaurant like Lake Isle Restaurant, there are pubs, cafes and places to get afternoon tea. The Grimsthorpe Castle Tea Room is one option for the quintessential English pastime of drinking tea and eating tiny sandwiches, scones and cake.

Arts and Culture

Rutland has plenty of nature and wildlife, but it’s also a place that’s brimming with culture. Theatre is a particular attraction, with the open-air theatre at Tolethorpe Hall, where you can watch a production from the Stamford Shakespeare Company. There’s also Uppingham Theatre, where you can find everything from music to children’s theatre. If you prefer looking at art, you can find galleries like Goldmark Gallery and Orange Street Gallery. Uppingham has plenty of antique shops too. Each year, you can also enjoy Rutland’s arts festival, which gives you the chance to explore a range of different arts.

Visiting Stately Homes

For a luxury weekend, there can be nothing better than exploring some luxury homes. Rutland has some fantastic stately homes that you can visit, both within Rutland and just outside of the county. Rockingham Castle was built by William the Conqueror and opens for visitors in the spring. You can tour the castle or the gardens, or visit the tea rooms or gallery. There’s also Burghley House in Stamford, where you will find the Gardens of Surprise, as well as The Orangery Restaurant. In other counties nearby, you can visit Grimsthorpe Castle, Belvoir Castle, and Belton House.

Museums and Historic Buildings

On top of stately homes and art galleries, you’ll also find historic buildings and museums to explore in and around Rutland. Oakham Castle dates back to the 12th century and it’s free to visit all year, although it’s closed on Tuesdays, Sundays and bank holidays. It received funding for renovation in 2016 so it continues to be cared for. You might also want to visit the Rutland County Museum, where you can learn about history from a huge range of periods. There’s natural history from the Triassic and Jurassic periods, collections from both world wars and other military conflicts, and items from home life in Rutland through the years. There’s something for everyone, no matter what type of history you’re interested in.

Relaxing Spas

If you prefer not to move much while you’re away, instead of getting out and about, spending some time at a spa is also possible in Rutland. You can get spa treatments at Barnsdale Hall Hotel near Oakham, and there’s the Clarins Health Spa at Stapleford Park. If you go just over the border, you can also find Rushton Hall’s Stableyard Spa in Northamptonshire and Ragdale Hall in Leicestershire.

Spend a luxurious weekend in Rutland, where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There’s plenty to do – or not do if you prefer to stay in.

Holidays are supposed to be an amazing time. We only get a handful a year, so it’s important to make the most of them when the opportunity arises. Travelling to exotic destinations and experiencing a new culture is good; in fact, it’s out of this world. Of course, there are cons as well as pros, the main one being health. Anytime a foreigner lands in a new country, the hazards to well-being are massive. And, that’s without including a never-heard-of-before disease. No, common issues often turn a dream into a nightmare, and here are the ones to watch out for on your next trip.

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Sunburn

When the weather is good, it’s nice to hit the beach and top up on the tan. After all, we all need to make hay while the sun shines. The problem is the intensity of the burning ball of flames in the sky. At home, you may be able to wander around without any cream or lotion on your body because your skin is used to the heat. Abroad, the UV rays may be stronger and burn the skin as a result. Even a relatively small patch of red is enough to stop you from lazing by the pool or splashing in the sea. Please, use a high factor cream and top up during the day to avoid a nasty scold.

Sunstroke/Dehydration

Sunstroke will ruin a holiday and that is a fact. Once it hits, you’ll be hugging the toilet wishing for death. It is that bad. Too much sunlight plays a part, yet the main culprit is not drinking enough fluids. Let’s rephrase that – “not drinking enough” water. There are bound to be beverages flying around, but you have to be sure to top up of the body’s H2O levels. A lack of the liquid will lead to headaches, migraines, and a host of bodily issues. If you do like a beer, try and have a glass of water too.

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Hayfever

Again, allergies have less of an impact at home because the body is familiar with pollen count. When it isn’t, you are and understand how to stop sneezing and watery eyes from destroying the day. Unfortunately, it isn’t something we think about on vacation. Do they even have hayfever in other countries? Yes, they do, and the pollen there can be more intense. The best bet is to take hayfever relief tablets along for the ride and pop them when necessary. Just check what type of drugs you’re allowed to bring into the country so you don’t get stopped at immigration.

Delhi Belly

Although the name suggests it’s based in India, in reality it’s a stomach bug. Indeed, bacterium or a virus may not be involved because water displacement can be a cause. So, while you have to drink plenty of H2O, don’t take any chances. Always buy drinking water from a shop or supermarket and make sure the seal is unbroken. Also, use spring water to brush your teeth to avoid ingesting any unwanted bacteria.

Have you suffered from these in the past? How do you fight back?

The best way to experience the vast number of attractions New Zealand has to offer, is to get comfy in your campervan and head off into the unknown. New Zealand has so much to offer and who knows what scenery and hidden gems you will uncover as you drive into the sunset!

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New Zealand covers all tastes and interests in what it has to offer. There is plenty of action for adrenaline junkies, culture, museums, mountain trekking and helicopter flights around glaciers – to name a few!

If you are planning on touring around New Zealand by motorhome, the following tips will help.

Choosing your vehicle

Unless you normally reside in New Zealand you will need to hire your motorhome on arrival. Try to budget for as much space as possible. Your trip is likely to last at least two weeks, so you and your family don’t want to feel cramped. Of course you will hopefully be enjoying the fabulous New Zealand lifestyle, so you won’t be sitting in your campervan for long periods.

If you have never travelled in a motorhome before, carefully research the facilities your family require and ensure they are included. For example if you are planning on staying on a remote camp site you may need the convenience of a large water tank.

If you enjoy the whole motorhome experience you may even find yourself considering class b rv’s for sale on your return!

Insurance

You will need insurance to cover the rental period of the motorhome. Most motorhome hire companies offer insurance as part of the rental package in case of accident, fire and theft. Your credit card company will also offer insurance protection on vehicles of a certain size. It is important to check the exact cover.

Ensure you take out travel insurance as this will cover you for any healthcare and medical intervention required. Be sure to check what the excess is on your policy.

Remember to take copies of all your insurance documents with you, also email yourself a copy just in case details are lost.

What should you pack?

In theory you should need to pack little more than your clothes and buy groceries whilst on the road. Most motorhome rental companies hire out there vans extremely well equipped, with sufficient pots, pans and utensils suitable for the sleeping berth number. Bedding should also be included.

Don’t forget to pack your driving license along with important contact details in case of emergency. Other useful items to pack include, sunscreen, first aid kit and travel adapters.

Maneuvering your motorhome

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Motorhomes are remarkably easy to drive, especially as motorhome companies tend to lease vehicles that are new and in good roadworthy condition. In New Zealand, you drive on the left, which is the same as in the Uk.

Although easy to drive, it will take a little time to adjust to the width and height of your van. Practice and be very aware of bridges and tunnels with restricted height.

Due to the size of a motorhome, it is inadvisable to travel into cities where space is restricted. A better option would be to leave your motorhome in the campsite and travel by public transport or taxi when visiting the city.

All you need to do now is plan your route and enjoy your trip!

When it comes to getting away, most of us have a list of things we would love to see and do. You could call it a travel bucket list. It contains your dream destinations, and experiences you’d love to pursue. The trouble is that most items on said list are followed by a large, and never fading BUT.

I would love visit to this place but…

I would love to do this but…

But money, but time, but motivation. Over time, it becomes less a list of things you’d love to do, and more a reminder of what you never will. Either way, it’s a sad way to live. Which is why we’re going to take a closer look at three common travel list wishes and dispel the buts which follow.

I would love to visit that ONE destination, but…

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We all have at least one dream destination we’re sure we could never get to. But if the stars aligned, THIS is the place we’d go. For some people, it’s Australia. For others, the Caribbean calls. Either way, you likely print pictures of this place to get you through. So, what’s stopping you? In truth, it can be a few different things. Money is a big one here, as you well know. Fear can also stand in the way. It could be fear of the long flights or the creatures you’ll encounter during your stay. Either way, it’s hard to overcome. BUT, not impossible. If you look into how much it would cost, you can set about a savings plan. If you look into facts and figures, those creatures might not seem so dangerous. And, if you visit a doctor, you can even overcome flight anxiety. Bish, bash, but nothing.

I would love to vacation on a yacht, but…

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Come on; we’ve all dreamt of this at some stage. If only you could be like guys on the films, taking those gorgeous women onto your yacht. You would be the stud of the century! Most commonly, though, money and means get in the way here. You can’t afford a yacht. Even if you could, you don’t live near the sea. Fear not, my friend. There’s a little thing called a yacht charter to rescue you. Here, you rent a yacht for a few hours, or a weekend. It already has a docking area, so that’s covered. And, a rental shouldn’t set you back too much, either.

I would love to visit those scenes on television, but…

You know the feeling; you’re watching Game of Thrones and driving yourself wild looking at the scenery. And, no, we aren’t talking about Daenerys… There are some pretty spectacular scenes on this and many other shows. But, they’re just sets, right? You can’t visit them. WRONG. In truth, many programs like this are filmed on location. For instance, all those King’s Landing scenes are shot in a Maltese fortress city called Mdina. And, you can visit that whenever the mood takes you.

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There’s nothing like taking a vacation. That chance to get out there and see the world is one of the best things there is and anyone who gets the opportunity to do it is incredibly lucky! Which makes it all the more sad when people find themselves in a position where they feel as though they are getting bored of the same old types of travel over and over again. Taking the same kind of vacation year after year is bound to get boring after a while Even if you’re going to be most exotic place in the world, it’s going to lose some of its charm after a while. With that in mind, here are some things that you can do to bring back your love of travel.

Get off the grid

We all spend so much of our time connected thanks to the internet and smartphones that it can often be difficult to create that line between your normal life and your vacation. Being connected to the people around you is great, but it can also be a real drag to be constantly checking up on things like social media when what you really want is to be enjoying your time away from all of that. Getting off the grid and being able to enjoy your vacation free from all of that is one of the best things that you can do to recharge your batteries and remind yourself that you don’t need to be glued to your phone all of the time.

Do some good

A lot of the time it can feel as though traveling is a little, well, self-indulgent. After all, you’re doing something that is almost entirely for yourself. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with that, but if you feel as though you could be doing something a little more worthwhile on your travels then why not see if you can do some good while you’re out in the world. Whether it’s animal volunteering opportunities in Africa or environmental conservation in South America, there are always causes that need support all over the world. Being able to use your vacation time to do something good in the world can be one of the most fulfilling experiences there is.

Stay where you are

When was the last time you really explored where you live? Most of us are so familiar with our hometowns that we never really think about them. Well, if you really put in the effort to go exploring, then you may well end up finding that the places near where you live have a lot to offer. That way you can enjoy new and exciting things with all of the comforts of home thrown in for good measure!

The wonderful thing about doing these things is that you can always go back to the more familiar styles of vacations that you’re used to. After all, taking a break from them can help you to see them in a totally new light. The key is to make sure that you’re not doing the same things time and time again until you can no longer see what it was that you loved about them in the first place.

One of the best things in life is to experience the great outdoors with people you like, trust and hold near and dear. Away from the loud city life, and far beyond the tourist traps, camping out in the woods is quite liberating. You normally hear from people who have spent their fair share of time in the wilderness that you never look at the world the same again. This is approached with some scepticism until you’ve been in a place where there is no man-made light. You’re completely alone, surrounded by fresh air, sharing the world with other animals. For many, this is too much, a little too far from home comforts. So for those who want to take this adventure but have been putting it off because you feel like you would get lost quickly, going with friends helps. Camping should be a group experience, but like all ecosystems, you won’t manage to enjoy it unless you have things to help you manage.

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Boots made for hiking

Whatever you do, don’t be a typical city slicker out in the woods. Together with those you’re going to go camping with, go buy yourselves some actually trekking boots. Your flat converses or vans are not going to do well in the mud, woods, and dirt paths for too long. Instead, everyone in the group should seek some good heavy duty hiking boots that are made to bear the brunt of the elements. The harshness of the cold, rain and frost is going to put a damper on the mood of the group in one way or another. The last thing you need is cold and numb toes early or late in the day. The materials used for these kinds of boots are tough and rugged, giving you some extra foot protection from bumps and scrapes.

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Lasting the trip

In normal everyday life, we don’t see food for what is truly is in the wild. It’s a morale booster, it not only fills and warms your body up but elevates moods and willingness. So when you’re going to go camping with a group of friends, take into account the need of everyone’s stomachs. Coolers have evolved like any other product. You have lightweight, strong containers that keep your food and drinks fresh for a long time. The RTIC coolers vs Yeti debate is almost two sides of the same coin. Both these products are able to store over 25 pounds of ice easily. They both pride themselves on being able to store over 30 cans of drinks each, again quite easily. Although their primary function may be to store drinks such as alcohol and water bottles, you can, of course, use them to store sandwiches, and other snacks that might otherwise melt near your campfire.

Braving the cold and sitting by the fire is so much more fun when you’re surrounded by your friends. Going camping for the first time isn’t as tough when you can rely on other people to work together and make it easier. However what limits people from making progress in the woods is usually the lack of proper equipment. Taking rugged boots made for hiking will allow your team to cross streams, climb rock formations and wade through mud much more effectively. At the end of the day, and good cold one is just what you need to relax, so pick the right kind of cooler for your group camping adventure.

Are you a globetrotter who doesn’t have the funds to stay in luxury hotels? Do you wish you could see more of the world without draining your savings or devoting your entire salary to travel? Many of us would love to spend more time discovering new countries and natural wonders, but often, our income doesn’t afford us the chance to spread our wings as far as we’d like. If you’re looking for cheaper ways to indulge wanderlust, why not consider camping on your next trip? Here are just some of the reasons you should go camping and some tips to help you prepare for your outdoor adventure.

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Cost

Camping is one of the cheapest vacation options. You could save yourself a fortune if you decided to sleep in a tent or hire an RV rather than booking a hotel or an apartment. Cost is a barrier for many of us, but this doesn’t have to be the case if you’re willing to sacrifice a few creature comforts. You may not have access to en-suite facilities or a room service menu packed with tasty delights, but you’ll be able to travel a lot more extensively without going over budget. If you can’t bear the thought of going back to basics, you could always take a step up and embrace the increasingly trendy concept of glamping.

Experience

Camping may not be an ideal option for every kind of vacation, but if you’re keen to explore national parks, you’re embarking on a road trip, or you love the idea of sleeping under the stars with a soundtrack of rolling ocean waves, camping may be the perfect choice. There’s nothing quite like being huddled around a campfire and toasting marshmallows surrounded by your friends and family with the stars twinkling and the great outdoors for company.

Flexibility

A camping trip provides you with the option to experience different places and different types of vacation. If you don’t like the idea of being tied down to a single resort or hotel, camping offers much greater flexibility.

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Prepping for your trip

Before you go camping, stock up on essentials such as sleeping bags, pillows, a tent, a camp stove and basic medical supplies. If there’s a large group of you, and you want to cater for all weather conditions, it’s also a good idea to check out portable gazebos. Depending on the location and the time of year, you may need waterproof jackets, sturdy shoes and sunscreen. Once you’ve chosen a location, research facilities, attractions and activities in the local area and draw up a rough itinerary.

Once you’ve packed, plan your route and stop off at a store to buy snacks, supplies for camp and plenty of bottled water.

Are you eager to see more of the world without breaking the bank? If you’re traveling on a budget, camping may be a great idea. Camping is cheap, it gives you unrivalled access to incredible scenery and landscapes, and it can provide you with amazing memories that will stay with you forever.

Now, there’s a lot to know and love about travelling the globe. Yet while there’s plenty of advice about where to go and what to do, there’s not as much about how you should act when you go home. Your friends and family will have missed you, and you’ll have missed them! But there’s no getting around the fact that you’ll have experiences that have changed you, and they haven’t. As such, it might take a little bit of time to reconnect with everyone. But it’s not impossible – just take our advice below.

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Give Yourself Time

You’ll have just returned from your exciting adventures. You might have woken up in an exotic destination, and then in a few hours found yourself in familiar surroundings. Aside from potentially jet-lagged, your mind has been thrown about: you don’t know where you are! See your friends and family, sure, but don’t overdo it. You’ll feel much better about being home if you’ve had a shower, slept for a bit, and come to terms with the fact that your travelling has temporarily come to an end. In a day or two, you’ll be ready to reconnect with everyone!

Avoid Bragging

Have you ever been around a person who is pregnant or has just had a baby? It’s all they can talk about…and let’s be honest, it can get a bit annoying. They’re excited, but that doesn’t mean everyone can match their levels, even when they’re happy for them! It’s the same with travelling. You’ll have fresh memories of meeting people, doing cool things, and the rest. The people at home? They’ve just been going about their daily business. While it’s cool to share a story or two if it comes, make sure you’re not starting every sentence with “when we travelling in [super awesome place]” It’ll only create a barrier between you and your loved ones!

Getting Social

The fun doesn’t have to stop just because you’re back home. Instead of lamenting the fact that your travels have finished, get out there and have fun. It’s easier to reconnect with everyone if it looks like you’re having fun and are genuinely happy to be there. Book a table at a restaurant, or just go out for a night on the town. You’ll be able to focus on the here and now, and your stories will come out more naturally if everyone’s having a good time.

Your Own Trip

Or, how about taking another trip? Going away somewhere beautiful is the best way to beat those post-travel blues and to reconnect with friends and family! Choose somewhere that’s relaxed yet fun, like Sunny Birch Cottage, and you’ll be able to decompress from your travels and spend some quality time with your loved ones. It’s also easier to share your tales if you’re all having fun, rather than trying to sandwich them in during a family member’s regular workday.

Make it About Them

Finally, remember to ask about their lives! They’ve been doing cool things too. Make sure it’s not all about you, and you’ll be reconnected in no time.

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Daydreaming: you’re doing it right now. You know it and I know it. You’re sitting and thinking about that place again. The place with the softest sand you’ve ever felt and ocean air so plump with moisture that you can taste the salt on your lips. The cocktails, the seafood and the chance to snorkel in the clearest ocean ever – it’s the dream holiday. You had it once and you would do whatever you could to get back there again. The difference this time? You have to pay for it, and on a low income, that’s not easy. We all have times that are financially lean, but it’s those times that you need to find your way to saving for that dream. You learn to budget better and spend better when you do head out shopping. So, we’ve put together some ways that you can maximise the budget that you have to get the holiday that you want.

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Housing Costs. Most of the time it’s the costs of rent or a mortgage that seriously get in the way of your savings. Where you can, you should try and keep your housing budget to about a quarter of your monthly income. It’s not always easy, but if you can do that you will have enough each month to save cash. Always look for a house that you can afford rather than a house you desperately want; paying out more than you need to just to enjoy crown mouldings is not worth it.

Consolidate. Owing money to other people isn’t the nicest feeling, but using a service like https://debtconsolidation.co/, you can manage your payments by consolidating every payment into just one, you can spare some cash each month. It’s something you shouldn’t bury your head in the sand about, so make a plan and get it sorted – the faster you do, the better off you’ll be.

Plan Shopping. Whatever it is you have to buy, from groceries to housewares, you should plan it all down to the penny. Make a list, take out the cash for it and stick to the list as closely as you can. Try not to spend just for the sake of spending: that dream holiday is worth waiting to buy the shoes for.

Shop Smart. When you do need to buy new furniture to replace a broken piece, don’t go for finance options or brand-new ones. Before you do anything, check out the Facebook selling sites and the public sites like Gumtree or Craigslist. You can often find nearly new furniture for less than half the price you’d have paid new from the stores.

The Nitty Gritty. To avoid spending cash that you don’t want to spend, start cutting out buying lunches and coffee in the week. Invest in a thermos and bring your own coffee out with you. Pack a lunch for work and you’ll spend a fraction of the cost.

Saving up for that dream holiday is a possibility – you just have to get creative with your cash and be strict. You can do it: the sandy beaches are depending on you!