Dec
12
2009

Nottingham Stag Parties

Today young generations enjoy their life with gathering at one place and their lifestyle always be a enjoying with others. Sometimes they organize a bachelor party where teens make lot’s of fun with others. A bachelor party which also known as Stag Parties in UK is a party held for a bachelor shortly before he enters marriage, to make the most of his final opportunity to engage in activities a new partner might not approve of, or merely to spend time with his male friends. A bachelor party may involve activities beyond the usual party and social gathering ingredients (often drinking alcohol and gambling), such as going to a strip club or hiring a stripper, and in some traditions more hazing-like tests and pranks at the future groom’s expense. In the United Kingdom it is now common for the party to last for more than one evening, hence the increasing prevalence of the phrase “stag weekend.” A spin off has been the growth of the stag weekend industry in the UK with various companies taking the “hassle” out of the weekend.

In the UK, stag weekend trips are becoming mini-holidays with the groups taking part in various day time activities as well as the expected night out on the town. Popular locations include Brighton, Bournemouth, Nottingham, Edinburgh, Blackpool, Newcastle upon Tyne and London. If you are looking for such a good spot for Stag Weekends then Chillisauce.co.uk is best site for you. As members of ABTA, ATOL and Eventia, we organise everything for the perfect stag party. From daytime activities such as paintball, karting, clay pigeon shooting to more unusual events such as zorbing, stock car racing and hovercrafts. Evening activities for your stag night include everything from nightclubs and comedy clubs, to dog racing, lap dancing clubs and evening meals. With over 100 different locations, 5,000 different activities, and 40,000 stag do customers per year – you can’t go wrong.

In UK Nottingham Stag Parties are more popular in country and possibly one of the greatest urban myths of all time could be Nottingham’s infamous 5 : 1 female male ratio. Nottingham has recently received a lot of press as the UK’s prime den of iniquity from the “Ban all drinking or this country is going down the pan” brigade – much as a result of the fact that it was the first UK city to relax its drinking laws – leading to a city centre with the highest density of licensed premises in the country – and party loving crowds to match.

Dec
10
2009

Stags and Hens go mad in Nottingham

The city of Nottingham has become a Mecca for clubbers each and every weekend with its brilliant range of top-quality venues and fun-loving attitude. The home of Robin Hood has therefore become a favourite UK stag destination, while it also lures in the hen parties in impressive numbers.

Situated in the Midlands and on the River Trent, this is a city that is easily accessible, making Nottingham stag weekends perfect for groups with mates in both the south and north of the country.
Nottingham excels from having a richly diverse population, which is reflected in its restaurants, while the hoards of students in the city create a feeling of youthful energy that is apparent in a nightlife district that boasts more than its fair share of pubs, bars and clubs.

Meanwhile, the surrounding countryside and the iconic Sherwood Forest also offer visitors with lots of places to see and activities to do, from the serenity of a round of golf to the wet and wild adventure of quad biking, and lots, lots more.

Dec
9
2009

Cleaning the ski wear

skisIf you are one those people who ski on a regular basis, then you need to have your ski wear ready all the time. But a lot of people do not know exactly how to preserve their ski wear, hence needing to shell out on a new ski jacket, ski shoes or ski gloves often. The first thing that needs to be done in order to keep them safe and give them a long life is to clean them in a proper way.

There are many colors and styles from which you can choose a ski jacket. It is very important to keep the ski jacket clean in order to make it function properly – they collect a lot of dirt and grit due to the protective material from which they are manufactured.

ski coat
Most people think it is a tough job to keep care of ski clothing but it needn’t be. For example a ski jacket can be cleaned by even a kid while he/she is at home. There is no need to take it to the laundry and pay for this easy task. First just unzip all the zippers on the ski jacket and pull out all the stuff that is hidden beneath, like the passes or other bits of papers or tissues.

ski coatNow, simply just as you wash your other clothes in the basin of the washing machine, put the jacket there in the basin to wash it. Then, measure the detergent that is a cap full, and put it in dispenser. Now put the machine into action on the gentle mode. Make sure that you use only cold water. Hot or warm water is not advisable for any ski wear. Then, unlike the other clothes you need to rinse the ski jacket at least three to four times, in order to pull out all the detergent. If even a little amount of detergent is left in the jacket it will leave marks and patches. Now, place it in the drier and set the machine in the gentle mode. The jacket should look and smell fresh and clean.ski wear

If you fear washing it in the washing machine, a similar procedure can be adopted to wash it by soaking it in a bucket for a few minutes and then rinsing it thoroughly several times. But while using any detergent to wash the ski wear, it must be kept in mind that it may lead the ski wear to lose its waterproof capability. So, take the best care while washing it.

Nov
27
2009

Top 10 cheap hotels in UK

UK hotel costs stop many tourists from visiting this city so we are putting here the list of ten cheap hotels in UK that offer you the best services at reasonable prices. If you are on budget, then also you can afford a good hotel in UK by booking something inexpensive and simple breakfast-and-bed like accommodation. Out of many inexpensive hotels in UK, we are listing the top 10 cheap hotels here:

Premier Inn Ch
ain of Hotels: These were previously acknowledged as just ‘Travel Inn’. But in 2005, they were combined with Premier lodges and were recognized as ‘Premier Travel Inn’. And in 2007, they became known as ‘Premier Inn’. It is the Britain’s biggest chain of hotels having more than twenty branches in London. In early 2009, they broke the record with 40,000 bedrooms across UK.

Each Premier Inn hotel has a restaurant that is useful after a full day’s tourism or a long journey. Premier Inn hotels offer you the ‘Good Night Guarantee’ since they are so positive about providing you a good night’s sleep. They guarantee to give your money back to you if they are proved wrong.



Travelodge Chain of Hotels:
It is one of the cheapest hotel chains having approximately 15 hotels all over London with additional openings every now and then. They provide booking of rooms up to twelve months in advance from their web site. Travelodge hotels are always clean. All rooms have the facility of king sized bed, color TV, clean bathroom, and coffee-and-tea making facilities.

The Ridgemount Hotel: The Ridgemount hotel is a cheap hotel that is located in Bloomsbury region of middle London. It is an outstanding location for pleasure as well as for business. A family runs it from last 36 years. This hotel is an element of a Georgian Terrace.  The Ridgemount hotel has approximately 32 rooms, out of which 15 rooms are en-suite. All rooms are provided with color television, hair dryers and other facilities. There is free facility of Wi-Fi but it only works in the lobby and lounge. There is an availability of both cold and hot drinks in the lounge for 24 hours. The Ridgemount hotel appreciates itself by the number of visitors who come again year after year.


Express by Holiday Inn Chain of Hotels: It is located in Glasgow city of UK. It presents superior quality accommodation with clean, fresh, modern and comfortable rooms. There is a private meeting room and bar also. You can get family rooms on request.

There are about 20 cheap hotels from this low-priced chain in London. Each hotel of this chain has airy rooms having the facility of Internet connection and satellite TV. A complimentary breakfast is offered where families are most welcome and their children eat free.

Probably people are visiting here for business purposes or for a conference in Glasgow. For them there is a short taxi drive service known as Scottish Exhibition and Conference centre, SECC. They do extremely well in providing the best of modern comforts and facilities at reasonable prices that will satisfy your budget.


Sanctuary House Hotel
: The Sanctuary House Hotel has approximately 34 rooms and is one of the cheapest hotels in UK. The Sanctuary House hotel is situated in one of the London’s most fashionable and oldest regions and close to the Westminster Abbey and Houses of Parliament. Other attractions include St. James’s Park and Buckingham Palace

The high quality rooms of this hotel have king-sized beds. The Pie House and Fuller’s Ale of hotel are modern and smart but conventional in style. The food in this hotel is home-cooked. Fuller’s has full variety of wines and high-quality ales.

Tavistock hotel: Tavistock Hotel is located in the Bloomsbury area of London. This place is the heart of London and the British Museum can be found here. This hotel has a stylish painting decorative entrance and has approximately 343 rooms. Rooms are furnished with carpets, bedspreads and new furnishings. There is a well-priced restaurant as well as bar on ground floor. Free Wi-Fi service is also offered in the lobby. The Tavistock hotel is perfectly placed for the American style bowling alley, health club and various thrilling sites of London.

The Tavistock is a three star hotel and offers all bedrooms with personal bathrooms. Each visitor room is outfitted with a radio, satellite TV and coffee/tea making services. Guest rooms having points for modem are also available on demand. Guest rooms of Tavistock hotel are frequently receiving positive feedback.

Mayflower Hotel and Apartments: It is one of the cheapest hotels in London. They will provide you stylish bedrooms with hand engraved wooden beds, wardrobes, high ceilings, merino woolen blankets, fans and Egyptian cotton sheets. All rooms have the facility of Wi-Fi and its juice bar (located on ground floor) was motivated by Harry’s Bar sitated in New York.




Umi London Hotel: Umi London is the latest concept in hotels with a service-led approach typically associated with five star hotels. Umi London has got a 3 star ranking in 2007 but it is above the others in that region. Bayswater and Notting Hill have lots of low-priced hotels and it is very hard to select from them but Umi London hotel provides you best services at the reasonable prices.


Huttons: Huttons hotel is the conventional Georgian building is only 5 minutes walking distance from Victoria station. Huttons hotel was modernized in 2003, and it is being run by a family with friendly staff. The rooms of this hotel are small but they are always tidy and clean. Most of the rooms have high ceilings and wooden floors and few rooms have balconies also. Huttons hotel is situated in a silent residential region but it is well situated for all sites.


Easy hotel: Easy Hotel has some branches in middle London. The hotel rooms are small but they are very cheap. Booking of rooms can be done online from its website.

Nov
26
2009

12 Travel Scams and How to Avoid Them

Most vacations go off without a hitch, especially when you plan ahead and make sure you’re protected from theft and fraud. However, no matter where you go, there are people looking to make a quick buck (or a couple thousand) from your lack of awareness in a new country.

Travel scams are everywhere, and avoiding them can be difficult when you don’t know the area well. To help you avoid trouble on your next vacation, we’ve prepared a list of 15 common travel scams, along with the best ways to avoid them.

#1: The Bait and Switch Scam

Where: East Asia

This scam typically runs in Chinese markets, although it pops up elsewhere. You haggle with a market trader over the price of goods, agree on a rate, and make the transaction. However, when you’re handed the bag with your goods, the product that you bought has been switched with something less valuable.

This scam most often happens in street markets, where tourists don’t pay attention to what they’re buying. Prevent it from happening to you by double-checking your goods before you leave the shop.

#2: Airport Taxi Scams
Where: Most low-income countries

You arrive at the airport, tired from a long flight. A stranger approaches you and offers what seems like a great deal on a taxi. However, once you talk to some locals or more experienced travelers, you quickly find out that you were massively overcharged for the fare, sometimes to the tune of five times the normal cost.

Prevent this scam by only using official taxi ticket counters. If there aren’t any around, hail a cab from the departure section. They’re generally looking for a fare to take back to the city, and won’t be looking to rip you off.

taxi

#3: The Free Taxi Scam
Where: East Asia, particularly Bangkok

This scam is particularly prevalent amongst drivers of Bangkok’s three-wheeler taxis, known as tuk-tuks. You’re offered an ultra-cheap taxi fare, usually half or even a quarter of the regular price. While the price is generally a good deal, the taxi driver tends to take you to several shops on the way to your destination, costing you a ton of wasted time.

This scam is effectively a commission sale. The taxi driver isn’t out to steal anything from you, and they’re in fact giving you a discount. They make money by bringing prospective customers to stores, generally tailor shops or antique dealers. If you find yourself caught in this scam, just walk away from the taxi and find another.

#4: ‘Friendly’ Gambling Scams

Where: Most of Asia, particularly Manilla

You’re approached by a friendly stranger (seeing a pattern here?) who invites you home. You’re wined and dined, and afterwards invited to a blackjack/poker game between your new friend and his buddies. Your new friend promises to rig the deck in your favor, allowing you to win more money.

Of course, you never actually win money. At best, you’re taken advantage of during the game and lose some small cash betting on bad hands. At worst, you’re drugged, robbed, and dumped in the middle of nowhere. Avoid this one by being careful about who you head home with, and backing out of any card games, should one be offered to you.

gambling

#5: Bar and Club Scams

Where: Everywhere

You’re drawn into a nightclub by pretty women, often with promises of free drinks. Once you’re in, the drinks seem free, at least until you try to leave. When you walk for the door, bouncers pop up and extort ridiculous fees for the drinks from you.

Avoid this one by checking any bars and nightclubs for people before you enter. Most good nightclubs should have a crowd, especially in big cities. Also, avoid top-floor bars if possible, as they’re generally havens for scams and prostitution.

#6: Gem and Jewelry Scams
Where: Bangkok

This one starts off like the typical Bangkok taxi scam. You’re approached by a friendly taxi driver, who offers you an ultra-cheap fare. However, instead of the usual harmless commission stops, you’re dropped off at a jewelry store that’s having an ultra-exclusive, one day only sale. You check out the prices and buy some jewelry, knowing you’ll crack a profit selling it at home.

The jewelry used in these scams is worthless glass, typically stained to look like a ruby or emerald. While there are some great deals on jewelry in Southeast Asia, unless you’re an expert you’re much more likely to end up ripped off than selling it for a profit.

tuktuk

#7: Ticketing Scams

Where: Rio De Janeiro

Want to go to Carnaval? Well, you need a ticket. Scammers approach you, offering the best possible tickets to the local parties at ultra-cheap prices. You see a great deal, pick them up cheap, and hope to get a great view of the action.

It’s a scam, as usual. You don’t need tickets to view the Carnaval parade in Rio, only to sit in the stands area. If you do want to hang out in the stands, get the tickets from a real agent, not some scammer on the street.

#8: Art Scams
Where: Beijing

This scam is the classic guilt trip setup. You’re approached by some art students, who are incredibly friendly and approachable. After some quick chit-chat, they invite you to their local art show, which is only a couple of blocks from where you are now. Once you get there, you’re guilt tripped into buying art, which is normally completely overpriced.

Avoid this one through caution. Yes, you might get approached by real art students in Beijing. No, you don’t have to buy their art. Avoid art shows, use your credit card if you purchase (chargebacks are the scam victim’s best friend), and always be cautious when you’re approached out of the blue.

forbidden_city

#9: Fake Hotel Scams
Where: Vietnam

Looking for the Palm Hotel? Oh, there’s one here, one here, and one here. When a reputable hotel pops up in one of Vietnam’s major cities, imitators set up shop quickly. Many have taken to naming their hotels exactly the same as the original, and using touts and commission paid taxi drivers to drive tourists to them.

Always write down the real address of your hotel before you get a taxi there, and ask to go to the address, not the hotel itself. That way, taxi drivers won’t be able to scam you into visiting a ‘replica’ hotel.

#10: Rigged Taxi Meters
Where: Vietnam, particularly Hanoi

Most Vietnamese taxis are reliable and fair, but some drivers have taken to rigging their meter to move up to ten times as fast as standard. While you get to where you need to go, the cost is patently ridiculous. Occasionally, the driver will try to trap you in the taxi until you pay them.

Stuck in this scam? Scream “POLICE” at the top of your lungs. This scam is really illegal, and taxi drivers can end up in prison if caught doing it to tourists. If that doesn’t work, whip out your camera and start taking photos of the driver, their I.D. and the taxi’s license plates. Once the driver sees that you’ve got evidence of the scam, they’ll be in a hurry to let you go.

jetski

#11: Internet Cafe Keyloggers

Where: Everywhere

Some internet cafes frequented by travelers have keyloggers installed, which silently record every entered keystroke and mouse movement. If you log into online banking, email, or Paypal while you’re on the go, the operators could have access to your credit card and banking information.

There are two solutions to this problem. The first is to only ever use your own computer to check mail and bank details. The second is to try and avoid keylogger detection through a combination of copy+paste, on screen keyboard use, and rapid deletion of random keys during password entry.

#12: Rental Scams
Where: Southeast Asia, particularly Phuket and Bali

You rent a jet-ski, motorcycle, or other recreational vehicle, and then return it at the end of the day. Somehow, there’s damage to the vehicle that you have absolutely no idea about. You’re extorted out of money to pay for the ‘repairs’, even though you had nothing to do with the damage.

Always take photos of a rental vehicle before you hand over your payment, and never leave your passport as a deposit. If you’re put in a tight spot by a rental business, call the police over and have them sort out the situation.

Nov
26
2009

Moving overseas needn’t be an expensive, worrying task


Robinsons has made removals a straightforward, stress-free business. It is as easy as having a cup of coffee on your couch with a laptop in your lap and clicking “ok” on their wesite. Once you agree a date, a person from the company visits your place to assess possessions and decides on what kind of removal and the size of containers required from moving from one place to another. All their work is done meticulously with care and quality, from domestic to overseas removals. You may shift across town or to a new country, the end game is the same. They also make domestic and office removals so painless. Whenever you require moving, contact Robinsons – best of British for over 100 years.

Nov
14
2009

Find The Perfect Hotel For Your Stay In The North-West

 

blackpooltowerBeing surrounded by Manchester Hotels and Liverpool Hotels, Blackpool can aptly be termed as the Mecca of football in the UK. Being the fourth most densely populated city in the North West of England, Blackpool attracts a number of people. Like most places in Lancashire, Blackpool is a cosmopolitan city at heart and the cuisine speaks of this cosmopolitan culture.

From Chicken Tikka Masala to the most authentic of tradition English cuisines- you can get a whole bunch of culinary delights at Blackpool.

Most Blackpool hotels have a 24×7 reception service, amazing restaurants and are reasonably economical as some of the other hotels boasting of the same standards in the nearby cities of Liverpool and Manchester.

So, if you want to sneak away from the mundane and take a rejuvenating weekend off- Blackpool is just the place to be! There are a number of online sites like www.iknow-northwest.co.uk from where you can get a lot more information on Blackpool hotels.

Aug
28
2009

Foreign lenders enter UK mortgage and remortgage market

While mortgage lending in the UK is down by 26% year-on-year and there has been a decrease in the number of mortgage lenders still offering their services, it seems that foreign mortgage lenders are making their move into the UK market, striking while the iron is hot. 

Official industry stats show that while mortgage lending is down sharply in the UK over the last two years, banks from the likes of Sweden, Israel and China are now wanting a piece of the UK mortgage pie. Even though mortgage providers have fallen in number in the UK there are now more foreign mortgage lenders than for some time amid signs that many may be using the ongoing weakness as a potential opportunity to make a base in the UK.

There is no doubt that the UK mortgage and remortgage market is one of the most developed in the world and the UK property sector has been in the higher league of property markets for some time. Unlike many countries around the world the UK is predominately a home ownership country as opposed to rental which has created a stream of would-be home buyers in good times and bad times.

However, the recent announcement from the Council of Mortgage Lenders that mortgage lending has increased in both the home mover and first time buyer market will be welcome relief for those stressed out with financial difficulties who felt they had no-where to turn.

Industry experts believe that the UK is hot on the tracks of its European neighbours Germany and France as they move towards the recession exit door. Debt consolidation loans and remortgages should as a result become increasingly accessible and you should feel peace of mind that there are now more options available to you.

The British Bankers Association said mortgage approval rates had reached a 15-month high in June with 35,235 mortgage or remortgages taken out, the Nationwide Building Society confirmed that house prices rose by an average of 1.3% in July and Land Registry statistics showed house prices up by 0.1% in June, bearing out the trend that July was better than June.

In fact, the Council of Mortgage Lenders reported that mortgage lending had risen 17% in June 2009 and some £12.3bn was loaned to home buyers and remortgagers that month, up from £10.5bn in May. However, there is a note of caution that even June’s figure was only half that borrowed in June 2008.