j, Author at We Go Solo

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR EYES

1. WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE

After reading about contaminated eye drops, (put down your food if eating) synopsis deaths, along with eyeball removal, it got me thinking about dry eyes and the whole nine yards of looking after your eyes.

It’s not only your skin that suffers when you’re dehydrated but your organs too, including your eyes. Now dry eyes can be caused by several factors. Nonetheless staying hydrated can make a difference to the health of your eyes and assist with tear production. Those tear ducts get dehydrated too don’t ya know.

2. IT’S CHECK-UP TIME

Back on that eye check-up Q, been a while aka dim and distant past? Now’s the time to book an appointment. Not only for vision but with all the super mcduper testing equipment available, it’s a great way to check the health of your eyes. Any potential issues can be identified, resulting in management or prevention.

Tests generally also include the puffer, officially known as the tonometer, where they test eye pressure. It’s the one where you know it’s coming but you can’t help but blink as a (painless) puff of air shoots into your eyeball. I’m really selling it aren’t I? On the plus side, this can help assess your risk of developing glaucoma.

Another goodie is the OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) scan which I highly recommend. A 3D scan of your eyes, aside from being fascinating and a tad eek, really delves deep into the structure and any underlying issues. As for how often you should get your eyes checked, every 2 years is optimal. However, if you have an existing eye condition, be guided by your specialist on frequency.

Check with your employer if you’re eligible for eye care vouchers. Some companies offer this as part of a health benefits package. NHS-funded eye tests are also available provided you meet certain criteria. Pricing otherwise is around £25-£35, the latter including the OCT examination.

3. LAPTOP/DESKTOP – LOOK AWAY

Many of us spend hours on our laptops, desktops, or phones, which can cause a real strain on our eyes. Research has shown that for optimum eye health, we should give our eyes a break and look away from our screens. A suggested formula to adopt is 20-20-20.

After 20 minutes, look away for 20 seconds at an object/structure that’s around 20 feet away. This process helps relax your eyes and decrease eye strain. By looking away you also tend to blink more frequently. That’s better than your eyes transfixed zombie-like on your screen. If glare is an issue, investigate an anti-glare screen to care for your eyes.

4. LIGHTING

Ensure lighting is good when you’re reading, working, or doing any eye-driven task. Poor lighting, whether too dark or too bright (cue fluorescent), can cause headaches and induce eye strain. As we know, natural lighting is always best, but I concur not so easy to obtain in those dark dreary winter months.

5. FOOD FOR YOUR EYES

Carrots, aside from the notion that they help you see in the dark (the jury is out on that one), contain beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A. A nutrient that is very good for eye health. Green leafy vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants, kiwi, berries, apples, and oranges will also make for happy eyes. If you eat fish then omega-3 fatty acids (halibut, salmon, mackerel and alike) all add up to a healthy diet and goodness for eye health.

6. PROTECT YOUR EYES FROM THE SUN

You rarely see someone not wearing sunglasses but make sure your sunnies offer 100% UV protection. Ultraviolet rays are harmful. The way to check is to look for either a UV400 mark or a CE mark inside the frames. CE, a European standards mark confirms the glasses have conformed to health, safety, and environmental requirements.

Not keen on sunglasses? Then grab a wide-brimmed hat to keep your eyes protected.

7. SLEEPY TIME

Sleep, or lack thereof is also detrimental and is another way to take care of your eyes. Wake up rested after a healthy quota of sleep to avoid dry eyes which you then tend to rub making them susceptible to infection. Not great with sleep? Head on over to Sleep Solutions – 17 Tips.

8. SMOKING

We tend to automatically connect the harmful effects of smoking to respiratory and cardiovascular issues. However, smoking greatly increases your chances of contracting and exacerbating eye diseases, including cataracts and macular degeneration. Smokers are also twice as likely to lose their sight compared to non-smokers. Gulp.

9. EYE EXERCISES

There’s no definitive research on the long-term benefits of eye exercises, although it might be something you could add into the pot. Dr Colman Kraff, advocates specific eye exercises which might help with eyestrain and focusing issues.

I use pinhole glasses said to exercise your eyes and improve vision (although once more the jury is out on that claim). For me, I had my eyes zapped years ago. Now my sight has dropped slightly.

I only wear pinhole glasses indoors while I’m watching the TV. It gives me a clearer picture. I’d rather that than ‘real’ glasses which, I feel, make my eyes lazy and worse. Disclaimer – that’s just my opinion! Back to said pinholes. You’d look a bit strange wearing them outdoors (not great on peripherals), and you definitely wouldn’t wear them when driving or operating any machinery. For me, indoor viewing is fine.

10. SEEK HELP

If you have any concerns at all about your eyes check out NHS Inform. A self-help guide, where you can find out more about eye problems. If you experience any vision issues or eye discomfort, consult an optician or your doctor as soon as possible.

So there you have it, are you good at taking care of your eyes or have you just made that appointment? Do let us know in the comments!

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7 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN INVESTING

2 Comments / Wealth / j

So your savings are coming along tickety-boo (check out 7 Ways to Start to Save) but there comes a time when you need to make a decision. Do you or don’t you want to invest? Dun. Dun. Duuun. If the former, then here are some things to consider when investing.

1. DO. YOUR. RESEARCH.

This is one I can’t stress enough. No matter how much money you are looking to invest think of it like buying a car. You don’t just rock up, throw your money at the seller, jump in, and toot-toot off down the road. You decide on what kind of car you want to buy, how much mileage you want it to have, does it have a service history, is there a warranty. If you’re a fusspot like me, you probably also know the exact colour it has to be. Once on-site it’s then out with the magnifying glass and fine tooth comb to double-check that it matches the sales description.

For the investing equivalent, don’t throw your money at something your cousin twice removed has told you is a dead cert and that before you know it you’ll be rolling in it.

Do your in-depth research. What’s the consensus online? Who is behind the company/stocks/shares, or dare I say crypto? The latter of which is largely unregulated and can be very volatile. There are also a lot of scammers out there looking to make a quick buck, and you don’t want that buck to be yours.

If it sounds too good to be true then guess what? Red alert and sound the sirens.

2. DIY OR DONE-FOR-YOU

For DIY, how will you decide what to invest in? Perhaps a good starting point would be to sign up for investment newsletters so you can stay up to date with the ever-changing market. One of the most well known is The Motley Fool which offers stock market news, investing articles, and indeed share tips. For the latter still do your research. It’s no doubt a good idea to sign up for more than one newsletter. If you have a peek here there’s a plethora to choose from.

As for company sleuthing aside from their website and share price, one of the most valuable things to view is their annual report. How have they been faring? What are their future plans?

If you don’t have the time or energy to manage your investment strategy then a done-for-you service via an investment company would no doubt be your best option. These do incur a fee or service charge.

Investment companies and fees vary. Typically your bank also offers sharedealing services. You could also check out this Best Investing Platforms for Beginners as featured on The Times Money Mentor.

3. GOING. GOING. GONE.

Another thing to consider when investing and for want of stating the obvious ONLY INVEST WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD TO LOSE. Shouting? You betcha. It’s not all sweet-smelling roses popping up left right and centre. Investments can go down as well as up. They can also go kaputt and be no more. We’ve all no doubt seen those heartbreaking stories where people have thrown their life savings into the latest and greatest investment opportunity only to have it go down the pan. Sadly along with their hopes and dreams.

4. LONG-TERM OR SHORT-TERM?

What is your strategy? Are you investing for the long-term or will you need access to the funds sooner rather than later? If so short-term would be better. Your short-term strategy could be that you’ve got your sights on investing to obtain a potentially higher return than a standard savings plan. Say you’re thinking of your dream round-the-world trip. Generally, long-term is considered 5-10 years or more.

Do you want to pay into your investment monthly or pay as a lump sum?

Either way, investing generally occurs over a period of time as opposed to a quick turnaround. That is unless a major event (hmm Covid-19 anyone?) takes place that causes a dip followed by a swift-ish recovery. The former is where most people run for the hills but this is where good returns can also be made.

5. RISK? WHAT RISK?

Investing isn’t for everyone. If you’re going to lie awake at night worrying about whether you will or won’t have any money left at the end, may I suggest you give it a miss.

I (within reason) have a fairly high-risk temperament unlike a mate (Sammy the Squirrel) who doesn’t. Neither is right nor wrong. Choose what works best for you and allows you to Zzz’s at night.

So in a nutshell, add ‘factor in your risk threshold’ to your things to consider when investing list. Higher returns generally mean a higher risk.

6. HOW MUCH SHOULD I INVEST?

Ok, so you’ve made the decision that you’re going for it. How much should I invest – revert back to number 3. Investments go down as well as up and if it goes desperately wrong you could lose it all. Whether it’s a lump sum or £50 a month, or even $1 a month (as touted by Revolut) it’s whatever money you want to invest into your future. The key is that you are aware of the risks involved with your investment and that you have a strategy.

7. DIVERSIFY

Basket. Eggs. In. Put in the right order. Yep don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Aah, another saying, who knew that this one was first found in print in the 17th Century? Anyway, I digress. The moral is, as I’m sure you know, not to put all your investment money in one place. Rather it’s better to diversify. If one area goes belly up, then you have spread the risk and not lost everything.

So there you have my things to consider when investing. How’s it going for you. Have you started investing? Do let us know in the comments!

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OVERNIGHT TRAIN RIDES (YES PLEASE!)

2 Comments / Travel / j

Another fess up moment. I LOVE overnight train rides. I don’t know if it’s the rhythm of the train as it chugs along (ok, I might be going a bit Harry Potter dreamsville here) or if it’s knowing that I’ll wake up in a new location in the morning. Either way, it’s one of my favourite ways to travel.

ADVANTAGES

Firstly there’s the saving on time, stress, and hassle of getting to the airport. If you’re driving that’s added stress, cue rush hour or (deep joy) motorway navigating. Oh, and of course, there’s also the faffing about getting through security and juggling your max 100ml hand luggage bottles.

On the subject of luggage, you’re not so restricted on the number of bags and weight thereof.

Depending on the start time and duration of your journey, there’s the ever-changing scenery combined with witnessing the sunset and sunrise. For the latter, body clock. I can’t say it’s something I normally see…

You can also be travelling to your next destination while sleeping. That’s always a yay in my books. Instead of spending money on a hotel room, you can snooze comfortably in your sleeper train compartment.

Another advantage (which might not always seem like it at the time as you awake bleary-eyed) but you generally arrive early in the morning. That’s a big tick for making the most of the day to head out and go exploring.

Lastly and most definitely not least, it’s great for the planet. You can reduce your carbon footprint as train travel produces far fewer emissions than travelling by plane or car.

OVERNIGHT TRAIN RIDES TO TEMPT YOU

If you want to have a taster, and not go on a mega-train marathon, you could check out if there are any overnight train rides locally. By locally I mean within your country and that take perhaps 8 – 10 hours.

I’ve taken the sleeper train between London Euston and Glasgow which was great. Departure time is late evening with a journey time of around 7.5 hours. Now with shiny new trains and Glencraft mattresses (handcrafted no less) to give you the ultimate Zzz’s. Accommodation choices comprise of double with an en-suite, club (twin) en-suite, classic (twin or single with wash basin), and seat with lockable storage. On the food front, head to the Club Car (priority access given to Club Room or Caledonian Double guests) but there’s also room service. The Caledonian Sleeper Train destinations include Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Fort William, Inverness, and of course, Glasgow.

If you find you loved the sleeper experience so much and can’t wait to experience more, once in Scotland there’s the Belmond Royal Scotsman. This would certainly come under the header luxury overnight train rides. Hop aboard and immerse yourself in the splendour. Aside from the sumptuous cabins to add a unique touch and further indulge your senses, there’s also a Spa Car and an Observation Car with an open-air veranda.

Fine dining takes place in mahogany-panelled restaurant cars. The dining carriages even have great names, Raven and Swift. Journeys from 2 nights to 7 nights include, but are not limited to, Taste of the Highlands, scenic wonders and Clans, Castles and Isles. All departures are from Edinburgh.

Nicknamed the Cornish Riviera due to the abundance of pristine beaches along its coastline (22 according to the beach guide), it’s no surprize that the sleeper train that transports you to Cornwall is called The Night Riviera.

The train departs from London Paddington and arrives in Penzance around 8-9 hours later. Duration depends on whether you travel during the week or on a Sunday. There’s also an onboard lounge bar for snacks and refreshments for your journey.

Additionally, if you book a cabin you also have access to the GWR First Class lounges (and showers) at Paddington, Penzance, and Truro. Complimentary breakfast included for those in a cabin.

FURTHER AFIELD

A recent BBC News report looked into ‘Why sleeper trains are being revived across Europe‘. Feedback from train aficionados included ‘it’s so much fun’; and ‘it’s adventurous, romantic, and efficient’. Alongside the feel-good of the reduced carbon footprint, it’s ‘putting the joy back into travel’.

One overnight train ride that’s definitely on my to-do list is the Milan to Palermo Sicily sleeper train which also includes a ferry ride. A very unique ferry ride as the train separates into sections and goes aboard the ferry! The night train service (Intercity Notte), operated by Trenitalia, takes between 20 – 22 hours. There’s no dining car so take plenty of tuck with you. Information on Intercity Notte and the route can be found here.

OBB (Austrian Railways) in conjunction with other train partners operates NightJet and EuroNight Trains. Travelling overnight to over 25 European cities gives you plenty of choice for overnight train rides. Accommodation comes in three categories, sleeper cabin, a couchette, and a seating carriage.

Due to start in 2023 are the new NightJet trains with the first routes showcasing the new design commencing in Italy. As well as being ultra-modern, another of the new features include mini cabins for solo travellers. Yay.

Not sure about travelling solo? Check out Safety Tips For Women Travelling Alone.

Across the pond, if you’re heading to the US of A or indeed reside in the USA, of course, there’s Amtrak. I’m loving their strapline and energy stats:

‘MAKE ALL ROADS LESS TRAVELED:

Amtrak is 47 percent more energy efficient than traveling by car and 33 percent more energy efficient than domestic air travel.‘

Their selection of overnight train journeys feels like the train travel equivalent of an as-much-as-you-can-eat buffet. I’m particularly loving the sound of the California Zephyr, where you start your journey in Chicago and travel via the Rockies and snow-capped Sierra Nevadas through to California. A tad over 51 hours, it’s a train lovers dream.

OVERNIGHT TRAIN RIDES – THE FUTURE

Quoting a ‘combination of modern sustainability and glorious Roaring 20’s charm‘ alongside being ‘a train, a hotel, a restaurant, and an app which connects Europe and allows us to travel at will’, Adrien Aumont and Romain Payet have a vision.

Co-Founder of Midnight Trains, Adrien tells the story that vision came to him during a dinner in Athens. ‘From that moment, I knew I had fallen in love‘.

Due to launch from their hub in Paris in 2024, you too can fall in love. Billed as a ‘hotel on rails’, with on-demand films, superior sleeping quarters; single, double, or a 4-bed room to share with friends or family (as opposed to random strangers). For the foodies, there are seasonable products to enjoy as table service or takeaway. And for those that aren’t fussed about food, you can sprint to the wine and cocktail bar. Multiple destinations are planned.

Tempted? Any overnight train rides that have caught your attention? Do let us know in the comments!

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INTERNATIONAL HAPPINESS DAY (HIP, HIP, HOORAY!)

2 Comments / Health / j

According to a friend, I’m a Tigger. So, in true Tigger fashion ‘C’MON PEEPS, LET’S DO THIS!’ (accompanied by frantic gesticulating and leaping up and down). This being International Happiness Day, which takes place on 20 March.

Unsurprizingly it is, as it says on the tin, a day to be happy. Happiness is so important for our mental wellbeing.

Its birth was announced by the United Nations in 2012, followed by the first celebration day on 20 March 2013. Defined as ‘recognizing the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives‘.

HAPPINESS AND YOUR BODY

So aside from happiness giving you a spring in your step and putting a smile on your face, Alfred David and The Secret Life of the Brain sums up how it starts in our brain.

‘The brain determines our innermost feelings. Whether we are happy or sad, angry or deeply afraid, the emotions and moods we feel can be traced to the workings of neurons in the brain and the chemical signals they produce‘.

One of those neurotransmitters is Serotonin, often referred to as the happy chemical due to the effect it has on your wellbeing and mood.

As for smiling, a smile is said to use fewer muscles than a frown, although the jury is out on that as opinions vary, and some state that it uses more. Suffice to say one gives off an ‘I’m approachable and happy’ vibe, as opposed to a ‘don’t you dare come near me’ vibe. Rather like me when I’m hangry.

A good ole belly laugh, can relieve stress, increase oxygen and increase those good endorphins that are released from your brain.

HAPPINESS – WHO KNEW?

Did you know that there is a Museum of Happiness? What a great concept. A multi-award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise. It was formed in 2015 by Vicky Johnson, a youth and resilience mentor, and Shamash Alidina, a mindfulness trainer and author.

The work they do incorporates mindfulness, self-care, gratitude, and self-compassion. All with a strong emphasis on research-backed positive psychology.

A number of events are held including Annual ‘Blue Monday’ Winter Happiness Festivals. Their mission is to ‘share the art and science of sustainable happiness with individuals, communities, schools and organisations‘.

WHAT DOES HAPPINESS MEAN TO YOU?

For me, happiness is being with friends or family, preferably with some travel thrown into the mix. On a daily basis, it’s being anywhere near water.

There’s something very peaceful and calming about that unless it’s summertime and I’m on a jam-packed beach. Then that is most definitely not happiness as I’m Miss ‘where’s my personal space?’. I might also look like I’m sucking a lemon…

So in celebration of International Happiness Day and in, not so roving reporter style, I decided to ask some friends what happiness meant to them:

Sue of the rather fabulous SusanHeatherArt responded with ‘Happiness is messing about in my studio’.

For Marie, who is part of the inspiring and equally fabulous, Unglamorous Music cohort said ‘Playing guitar at my first gig’.

And Barbara didn’t hesitate with ‘Being immersed in nature always makes me feel grounded and brings a smile to my face’.

While Adrienne of Lockdownloo, commented ‘Happiness is inner peace’.

Finally Myra, I think, probably sums it up for all of us, ‘It’s priceless and needs to be appreciated’.

LITTLE MISS (MS, MRS) SUNSHINE

So here are some of my suggestions on how you could celebrate International Happiness Day:

Love reading but never seem to find the time? Make time and carve out a slot.
Immerse all your senses and take yourself outside for fresh air, nature, and a leisurely stroll.
Book a pampering treat or light a candle whilst you go for a DIY version.
Invite friends or family around for a meal.
Pay it forward and buy someone in the queue a coffee.
Compliment someone.
Plonk yourself on the sofa and binge-watch your favourite TV series or favourite films.
Hop on a train and go out for a day trip.
Unleash your inner Jackson Pollock and paint.
Pay a visit to an elderly neighbour.
Buy flowers for yourself or a friend.
Donate to a charity.
Go for a run, fire those happy hormones, and elevate your mood.
Head to the beach for a paddle in the sea.
Crank up the music and dance like no one is watching.
Kick that text into touch and use your phone to call a friend you haven’t spoken to in yonks.
Grab your journal and write down 10 things you’re grateful for.

For other happiness suggestions you might like to head on over to 7 Quick Ways to Improve Wellbeing.

So are you going to be like Little Miss Sunshine on International Happiness Day? Radiant, sparkling, and bright. Incidentally, her favourite pastime is smiling and she is also very good friends with Mr Happy. Just in case you were wondering. Ha. Let us know in the comments how you’ll be celebrating!

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FINANCIAL PLANNING FOR WOMEN

BREAKING IT DOWN

Right I’m back in the room. So think about what your financial goals are. What do you want to achieve? When do you want to achieve it by? What kind of lifestyle do you want? Really delve into your present and how you would like your future to be. Do you want to be swanning around the world, living on a cruise ship, or is that just me?

Start by looking at your money management spreadsheet to see where you’re currently at.

You might choose to review your mortgage as one item of your financial planning, and look to pay it off sooner rather than later. Break it down into chunks. What’s the redemption period i.e. if you pay it off early will there be additional charges? These tend to kick in during the first 5 years of your mortgage but check your terms and conditions.

What if you upped your monthly payments? Even a £50 a month increment can make a big difference to the length of your mortgage and the interest you pay.

Use a mortgage calculator in a slightly different way. Work it back using your current outstanding mortgage, your interest rate and the number of years you’d like to have it paid off by. That should show you what your payments will need to be to meet that deadline.

Note also that with regards to overpaying there’s generally a maximum (typically 10% a year) that you can over pay. Again check your T’s & C’s.

IT’S PERSONAL TO YOU

What are your circumstances? Do you have children? If so your financial planning for women mission could be to open savings accounts to cover expenditures when they’re older. Say university or mortgage deposit contributions.

Alternatively, you could open a children’s savings account that they manage themselves. Thus making it a fun way to learn about money and start to save.

Are you, like me, a continuously curious learner? Then perhaps you could open a separate account you contribute to monthly as your ‘education’ pot. When that latest course arises that you must attend you’re good to go.

When do you want to retire? How much money will you need?

Do you crave peace of mind and have insurance policies coming out of your ears to cover you for the unexpected? Income protection and critical illness cover might be something you wouldn’t want to be without. You might even have your funeral care policy in place and tickety-boo.

INVEST

You’ve got to the stage where your savings are coming along nicely. The next stage might be investing to make those savings grow. Bear in mind that investments generally have a risk factor too and can go down as well as up.

ISAs. Done for you service. Or DIY. Whatever you decide make sure you do your research. Everyone has different risk levels that they are comfortable with, be that low, medium, or high.

PENSION

You can currently obtain your state pension when you’re 66 years old. However whilst all employers should also provide a workplace pension, dependent on set criteria, if you’re self-employed another decision for financial planning is do you take out a private pension? It may be a way off but the sooner you start the better.

MAKE A WILL

No point in being super savvy with your financial planning only to not have a will and there ensues a bun fight between your nearest and dearest. If you’ve got no nearest and dearest then under the rules of intestacy, your estate goes to the Crown and not to a cause that is impactful and close to your heart.

CREATE A PLAN (AND TAKE ACTION!)

Make your plan with as many bells and whistles as you need to make sure you open it, use it and update it. For want of sounding like a learning and development executive, make sure that your defined actions are SMART. Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Realistic and Time-bound.

REVIEW REGULARLY

Be flexible too. If your plan goals are too restrictive in time frame and causing you to pull your hair out, adjust accordingly. No point in stressing yourself out and eating vast amounts of chocolate. OK, maybe there’s a plus in some of that..

As to how often you should review it, depends on your personal circumstances. At a minimum, yearly to check that you’re on track. Life happens, there might be times when you want to revisit it more frequently.

So that’s my roundup of financial planning for women. Hands up who’s coming on that there cruise ship with me?

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SAFETY TIPS FOR WOMEN TRAVELLING ALONE

2 Comments / Travel / j

A friend once remarked ‘When I think about solo travel, I always think about what could go wrong’. Travelling alone, through choice or circumstance, is one of the most empowering things you can do. However, as a lone female traveller there’s also personal safety to throw into the mix. So without further ado, here are my safety tips for women travelling alone.

PRE-TRAVEL RESEARCH

Wherever you decide to go and explore, be thorough with your research. Check out your local travel advice site, for the UK it’s the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Are there any political unrest situations or other activities occurring? Are there frequent scams you need to be aware of? Come on down ‘can I carry your bags?’. Whoosh, before you know it your bags and helper are a speck on the horizon. Check reviews, forums, guidebooks, and websites like the Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, or Fodor’s.

PRE-TRAVEL INSURANCE AND HEALTH CHECKS

Take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy and read the dets! Important things to note include the number of days that your trip is covered for. It’s as much use as a chocolate teapot (as my nan would say) if you’re off adventuring for 90 days but your policy only covers you for 30 days. Are you an adrenaline junkie or might you be tempted? Not all policies include bungee jumping, sky diving, zip wires, and wild water rafting as a given. Check out Insure and Go and LV.

At least 8 weeks in advance look into and obtain all the necessary vaccinations for your trip. If you’ve previously been vaccinated, make sure that your jabs are up to date. Also, check if your GP practice is signed up to provide free NHS vaccinations for travel.

ACCOMMODATION

For want of sounding obvious, check the reviews of the accommodation you are looking to book. If it’s a bit more ‘rustic’ it doesn’t hurt to pack a door stopper that you can wedge under your bedroom door. Once there make sure you take or write a card with your accommodation address to carry with you.

LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Do abide by the local laws and customs of the country that you’re visiting and dress to blend in. It might be that your shoulders should be covered (especially in religious buildings) or that shorts and tight clothing aren’t appropriate. At home you have a habit of ruffling a friend’s hair but in Fiji, the head is considered sacred so is definitely not to be touched. I also recall visiting a Fijian village where hat wearing was a no-no and indeed viewed as insulting. Only the Chief is allowed to wear a hat.

GETTING LOST

Not only only safety tips for women. It’s bound to happen but depending on where you are, it’s not always a good idea to look squinty and perplexed with your arms aloft signalling lost whilst standing on a street corner. Sydney is very different to say San Jose, Costa Rica. Look confident and pop into a local shop or restaurant for help on getting back on track.

MAKING THAT CALL

Take care when using your phone, particularly late at night or indeed any time of the day if you’re in remote or deserted locations. Be that a beach or in town. If you’re had a few drinks as well, you’re distracted and not fully aware of what is going on around you. Don’t do it. Make that phone call somewhere safe inside.

While we’re on the subject of phones, add local emergency numbers to your contacts. It’s unlikely that you’ll need them but like a good Girl Guide it’s best to be prepared.

ALCOHOL

Now it’s easy to get caught up in the spirit (excuse the pun) of an occasion. Hey my friends will vouch that I can indulge as much as the next person. BUT. When you’re in a different location with newbie travel mates, please don’t overdo it. Also a given is to keep an eye on your drinks at all times.

STRANGER DANGER

They might be your knight in shining armour but then again they might not. However tempted you are by their offer to get you home safely, make sure you have the number of a local taxi firm, preferably as recommended by your accommodation. Don’t just get into a random car. As for ‘home’, you don’t need to tell strangers where you’re staying. Be vague or say somewhere else.

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK

Yes, it’s great to go exploring but do take advice on trails from your accommodation or locals. As much as you may love hiking, I wouldn’t recommend that you head off solo on remote walking trails. There’s bound to be day trips to popular hikes where you can walk with others. If you’re determined to go it alone, then let someone know where you’re going.

VALUABLES

Check your accommodation safe to stash valuables. You don’t need to carry everything around with you. An alternative is to purchase a money belt. Not the sexiest of items I grant you but great for your money and passport plus you can wear it under your clothes.

As a deterrent to pickpockets, if you have a small backpack wear it on your front. Avoid padlocks offered by your accommodation, instead pop some in with your packing. Aside from lockers, I’ve used mine before for beach hut accommodation.

In a nutshell, don’t pack anything that you can’t afford to lose or that has sentimental value. That way you can stay in your zen zone if some of your belongings disappear.

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS

Most importantly, my final safety tips for women – if it doesn’t feel good then it probably isn’t. Is the environment you’re in making you nervous or anxious? Heck, don’t worry about being rude. It’s important to feel at ease and safe. Just trust your instincts and leave pronto.

Feel like you’re ready to take on the world? Head on over to The Best Solo Trips for Women to get inspiration and book your next adventure.

What are your safety tips for women? Do let us know in the comments!

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7 QUICK WAYS TO IMPROVE WELLBEING

2 Comments / Health / j

The Cambridge Dictionary defines wellbeing as ‘the state of being healthy and happy’. So with that in mind, let’s consider some quick ways to improve wellbeing because who doesn’t want to be healthy and happy?

1. GET AN EXTRA 30 MINUTES ZZZ’S A NIGHT

Did you know that adding an extra 30 minutes to your sleep can have a major impact on your health? Research has shown that a sleep extension, going to bed earlier or getting up later, yields great results. Fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and tension, were found to have decreased by more than a third. If you crave those extra 30 minutes but are having trouble sleeping, Sleep Solutions – 17 Tips might help you out.

2. STRETCHING

Stretching isn’t something you just do pre and post-exercise. Incorporating it into a daily routine can improve flexibility, release stress, help with posture, and lead to better sleep. It might not be as exciting as other forms of exercise but think of your mobility!

Many of us have bad posture, no doubt in part due to being hunched over a desk for some of us desk-bound bunnies.

Whether you gently limber up for 10 minutes freestyle using static stretching where you hold into the stretch for 20-30 seconds or use yoga to perform your stretching, it has many benefits.

If you can incorporate it into your daily routine, your body will thank you and it’s another way to improve your wellbeing.

3. WALK FOR 30 MINUTES A DAY

There’s nothing better for your wellbeing than a walk outdoors. According to Mind being outside with nature has so many benefits. Whether your preference is a brisk stroll first thing in the morning to wake up all your senses. Or at the end of your day as more of a stress reliever. If you’ve got some hills your neck of the woods, it’s good to incorporate those into your walk. Alternatively, you can head to the gym, if (a) you want to shake it up and set the treadmill on an incline or (b) it’s raining cats and dogs. (Fess up, I do love a weird expression). The NHS also praises walking for health and its benefits.

Some dates for your diary:

On Your Feet Britain, aimed at getting desk workers moving and a grooving more is taking place on 26 April. You can register to join in. Hashtags include #SitLess #MoveMore #BigWiggle.

All of May is National Walking Month so no excuses. Get those trainers on.

4. INTRODUCE HIIT INTO YOUR LIFE

Sometimes when life is at full pelt, making time for exercise is the last thing you feel like doing but exercise is a great way to improve wellbeing. This is where HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) comes to the fore. It consists of quick bursts of intensive exercise followed by a short recovery time, say 60 seconds on and 30 seconds off. The seconds sequence can vary, but the framework is the same. High-intensity, followed by rest or low-intensity.

Working out for 20 minutes has been shown to be more effective than traditional cardio or other forms of exercise over the same period. Although high-intensity it doesn’t have to be high-impact leaping up and down. Other advantages of HIIT are the main form of resistance is bodyweight. Additional equipment is not required (resistance bands and weights can be added if you want to ramp it up). It’s pretty space efficient so you can do it at home. Oh and let’s not forget – it’s over quickly! Joe Wicks aka The Body Coach has an Ultimate Beginners 20 minute HIIT routine, which consists of 4 rounds of 5 exercises. 30 seconds work and 30 seconds rest.

A guide to HIIT and its benefits can be found here.

Always make sure you warm up first, take it easy if not used to exercise, and consult your GP if undertaking a new form of exercise.

5. BRAIN-BOOSTING

My gorgeous Nan, who I adored, lived to the ripe old age of 99. As well as her regular spoonful of cod liver oil (yuk), another one of her ways to improve wellbeing was doing the crossword every day. If crosswords aren’t your thing, howsabout Sudoku or Word Search? Ooh I do love a Word Search sleuth. Another popular word game is Wordle. A free app downloadable via the App Store and Android equivalent. One game is uploaded each day. That means everyone is playing the same game. So if you can get some friends joining in, you can bounce off each other for the solution. It consists of a 5 letter word with 6 attempts to solve it. You also get hints along the way.

Further brain-boosting is to learn a new language. Check out Duolingo, a fun and engaging way to challenge yourself by learning a new language. You can start with just 10 minutes a day.

6. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS

Are you fretting and stuck in the past or worrying about the future? Events you either (a) can’t change or (b) have no prior knowledge of what the outcome will be. If you do with the latter drop me a line…

Mindfulness, the practice of being present and at one with our immediate thoughts, sensations, and surroundings, has its roots in Buddhism. Jon Kabat-Zinn, an American Professor, founded the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) clinic in 1979. Offering an 8-week meditation therapy course helping people with conditions such as depression and anxiety. MBSR is available globally. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is based on MBSR and has been used for people with a variety of chronic pain health conditions.

You can incorporate mindfulness into your life with these 11 simple daily practices.

7. LISTEN TO MUSIC

Have you noticed that you put music on (generally at full blast) when you’re happy cue exuberant dancing or sad, cue singing-along Bridget Jones stylie.

Listening to music can be good for your health. It lifts your mood, and it motivates you (a spin class wouldn’t be quite the same without music eh?). It can help with pain relief, as in taking your mind off it and generally make you feel happy.

Music therapy is also available to help people whose lives have been impacted by illness, injury or disability.

So that’s my 7 quick ways to improve wellbeing. Which one will you incorporate into your routine? Do let us know in the comments!

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7 WAYS TO START TO SAVE

1. PAY YOUR SALARY INTO A SAVINGS ACCOUNT

Now, this I thought was genius. I can’t take credit for it, me not being a genius n all. This gem, I believe, was one of the methods, I heard about from David Bach. A financial expert and New York Times best selling author. Pay all your salary into an instant access savings account.

If you think about it, this is a great psychological hack. Every time you withdraw your money you’re depriving yourself of your savings. Tick Tock. Obviously, the plan is to leave in as much as possible each month and let it build up.

2. PAY YOURSELF FIRST

If you don’t think you have the willpower for the full on savings immersion i.e. you know that you’ll be lucky to have a tenner left in there by the time it comes to payday, then jump into the more set in stone, pay yourself first. A term that came into being courtesy of Robert Kiyosaki and Rich Dad, Poor Dad.

The normal way we save is to pay all of our bills first and then if we’re lucky aka refrained enough, to have some money left over from socialising, going on trips and shopping, we pop that into our savings pot. There’s that tenner again. Not with this method. Oh no siree. Instead open a separate designated savings account. Automate payment into it each month on (here’s the key) payday. You should aim for 10% or more but if that’s a stretch start at 5% with a view to increase the percentage as soon as you can.

3. ROUND UP APPS

Round up apps are money apps that make it very easy for you to start to save. This is where you round to the nearest £1 (or sometimes more depending on how you’ve set it up). So if an item cost £7.50 the round app up will bump it up to £8.00 with the remainder going into your savings pot. You link the app up with your bank account and hey presto. Well, it’s not quite the same as waving a magic wand but it’s not far off as you don’t even notice that you’re saving, so it seems like magic when you see the balance in your pot. You need to set them up first with your savings criteria. Plum is one such app and there’s the free basic version (which I use) and paid versions (Pro, Ultra, and Premium). Paid having more bells and whistles along with each one accruing higher interest returns.

There are 6 rules that you can use to set up your money rules criteria.

An investing option is also offered but I fess up that I haven’t used that so I would suggest that you do your research if investing is the way you want to go with Plum as well.

Revolut proffer Spare Change as their round up method of saving and Moneybox is another rounding app.

4. IT’S THE SMALL STUFF (OR NOT AS THE CASE MAY BE )

I’m not proud to say that I had a recurring monthly membership that I barely used. Fast-forward a few years later when they cancelled it. Even then, that was only because the website ceased to exist and not because they felt sorry for me. Oops. Are you in the same loop?

How’s your coffee intake? A couple of latte concoctions in a working day, and, before you know it, you’re heading towards £150 a month out of your account for your morning and afternoon fix.

Are you a keen book buyer? Why not join your local library, and while you’re there, you can check out the best personal finance books for 2023 and more from female wealth experts.

Contrary to popular belief, when it comes to finance, it’s a case of sweat the small stuff as it’ll set you on the path for not only your start to save for a rainy day, but for every day.

5. RENEWALS

Renewals, car insurance, annual travel insurance, utility lock-in rates, boiler serving. Basically anything that’s an annual rolling contract. Rules implemented by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) at the beginning of 2022, forbid home and car insurers from charging more to loyal customers than newbies. Thank goodness. I always thought that was shocking. Deep breath, I will refrain from having a rant. You should receive a renewal notification but take ownership and diarise to shop around for the best deals a few weeks before your policy renews. Check out Uswitch, and Compare the Market.

6. LOOSE CHANGE

Not keen on linking your bank account with a round up app? Then go for the retro start to save DIY version. Nab yourself a big jar, bottle, or piggy bank and throw all your loose change in. There’s something satisfying about watching it fill up. Once it’s to the brim then take it to the bank to convert into notes. Alternatively, you could check out Coinstar. Coin changing machines generally located within supermarkets, but heads up that this is fee-based, between around 11% – 9%. The latter for a charity donation. Pour your coins in and receive a voucher to exchange for cash. Important – make sure you redeem your voucher on the same day as it was issued.

7. FOMO

Shouty 2-for-1 signs, promotions that encourage you to spend more, when you know one item will last you going on a year, and free workshops that turn out to be hmm not quite so free. After 5 hours of listening to sales guff, you look like you’ve gone into a trance. Now if you go along to sign up for something that will be of benefit and a great return on your investment, then fill your boots. But. If FOMO kicks in and before you know it you’re chomping at the bit to get to that there table first to sign up and hand over your hard earned cash, may I suggest you tie your ankles together. Newsflash – everyone wants your cash.

So over to you, what’s your go-to start to save technique? Do let us know in the comments!

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7 GREAT WAYS TO TRAVEL AROUND LONDON (AND SEE THE SIGHTS)

1 Comment / Travel / j

London Eye and Houses of Parliament London

Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Well, not quite. Aside from hopping on the tube or the sightseeing bus, what are some other great ways to travel around London?

Well I’m glad you asked. Note also that the tube might not be so fab if it’s rush hour and you’ve got your nose in the vicinity of an armpit. One that’s generally yours I hasten to add.

To make the best use of your time, travel in comfort and save money too, here’s what I recommend.

1. TRAINS

Travelling by train into and around London sounds kind of obvious, but stick with me. If you can nab someone to travel with you, then you can get an array of 2 for 1 offers courtesy of National Rail’s Days Out Guide. Top tourist attractions included. Come on down, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Madame Tussauds, and Tower Bridge, to name a few.

To qualify for the offers here’s a list of valid ticket types (for example, Oyster card and Heathrow Express are no-no’s).

Got a particular attraction in mind? There’s a search and dropdown menu including attraction type, with currently 147 attractions up for grabs in London. Also included are exhibitions, concerts, events, food and drink offers, and lots more.

Not heading to London yet? 2 for 1 also applies to Birmingham, Blackpool, Brighton, Liverpool, Manchester, Southend, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Scotland.

2. BOATS

Escape the hustle and bustle of the streets, and the tube squeeze, to travel around London by heading onto the water. As well as guided tours you can also opt for the do-it-yourself variety by jumping aboard the river bus boats. No commentary is included.

The Thames Clipper, now partnered and rebranded as the Uber Boat by Thames Clipper, offers a fabulous service on its high-speed fuel-efficient catamarans.

Big windows, guaranteed comfy seats (inside or out). An onboard cafe bar serving snacks and soft and alcoholic beverages adds to the laid-back way to view the sights. It’s a hop-on, hop-off service operating 7 days a week along 24 pier stops on the Thames.

Savings are to be made (up to 22%) by either using a contactless or Oyster card, booking online, or via the app.

If you prefer a guided tour Evergreen is offering 2 for 1 on city cruises sightseeing.

3. LIFTS AKA ELEVATORS

Hey, hey, it’s still a form of travel. These lifts are not only within some fab landmarks but they also transport you to some great views of London.

Jump on said lift at The Shard and get ready for some ear-popping. That’ll be due to the 6 metres per second whizz – cue Level 1 to Level 68 in sixty seconds.

The Shard, standing at a height of 309.6 metres (1,016 ft), contains 11,000 panels of glass (which laid out would cover 8 football pitches).

Located inside are offices, residential apartments, a hotel, and a variety of restaurants and bars. The viewing platforms, the highest in London, are on the 69th and 72nd floors. The latter of which is an open sky deck where you can embrace the elements and sounds of the city.

Tickets from £28 with best prices when you book 4 or more days in advance.

However, you could also hop out at the 32nd floor to the lounge bar and restaurant Oblix. It might not be as high as the viewing platforms but still provides pretty spectacular views. The entrance is marked ‘Restaurants’ and is the 3rd entrance of the Shangri-La hotel. Treat yourself to a cocktail with your saved entrance fee and spot the Walkie Talkie, Cheesegrater, and Gherkin from afar. Dress code does apply so leave the ripped jeans, gym trainers, flip flops, baseball caps, and sportswear at home.

Another viewing goodie is to scoot over to the Sky Garden. Nestled within 3 floors of the Walkie Talkie and billed as London’s highest public garden. Admittedly at 160 m (525 ft) high, it might not be as lofty as the Shard but still gives great views in a beautiful setting. Take advantage of free access on weekdays 10 am to 6pm and on weekends from 11am to 9pm. At times and if space permits, walk in’s, (must show photographic ID and not after 5pm on weekdays), are accepted. I would, however, recommend that you book a free access ticket. Tickets have a date and timestamp and are valid for an hour.

4. CABLE CAR

Cool with heights? Then another way to travel around London is to hop aboard the IFS Cloud Cable Car, which travels around 90m (295 ft) above the River Thames. Take a 10-minute jaunt between Greenwich Peninsula and Royal Docks, to get beautiful views of London’s skyline, the Thames, and the O2.

Nighttime and sunset trips are also on offer. For more info head on over here.

5. WALKING

I love travelling on foot. Eco-friendly, fresh air, see all the nooks and crannies whilst at the same time ramping up your 10,000 steps a day. Win-win.

There’s a variety of walking companies but my fav is London Walks. It also has the accolade of being the oldest walking company in the world. No need to pay in advance just pre-book your walk and you’re good to go.

They offer over 500 guided walks around London, each lasting around 2 hours. Operating morning, afternoon, or evening, come rain or shine. Jack the Ripper, Ghost Walks, Pub Walks, Classic London and Village London, are just some of the most popular tours.

Guides are from all walks of life and include thespians, a criminal defence lawyer, a composer, and a museum curator. They know London and will draw you in with their insider stories and engaging delivery.

6. BIKE

Travel around London on two wheels? Not just any old two wheels mind you, these are Brit bikes at their best. Vintage (and rather cute) Pashley bicycles, with the added option of popping a wicker basket on the front to make them even cuter. A wee fact, Pashley Cycles founded in 1926, is also England’s longest established bicycle manufacturer.

With a company name like Tally Ho, your passionate, fun, and informative tour guides for this adventure fit the bill. Plus they’re normally decked in some kind of hat attire. You too have the option of a helmet or a tweed cap. Go you.

Did I mention that their 3.5 hour, London Landmarks and Secret Gems bike tour also includes a stop at a 399 year old pub for refreshments?

For those Gin lovers, check out their London Gin Safari.

7. LONDON DUCK TOURS

Yep, you read that correctly. If you want to combine road with water, then the amphibious London Duck Tours is the way to go. The Ducks, originally used in the Second World War, have been completely rebuilt and modified to comply with strict safety regulations. Due to losing access to their slipway, tours are on hold at the moment but there’s an update due on events for this year.

So there you have it, my 7 great ways to travel around London. If you’re itching to jump on a plane and head further afield, may I suggest The Best Solo Trips for Women.

Right, I’m thinking that my favourite way to travel around London is on one of those cute Pashley bicycles. How about you?

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THE 5:2 DIET – DOES IT STILL WORK?

2 Comments / Health / j

Intermittent fasting, in a variety of guises, has worldwide acclaim and is probably now one of, if not, the most popular diet in the world. The original (I believe) having come to the attention of the masses back in 2012. Its creator, the rather fabulous, (fan? Yep, guilty as charged), Dr Michael Mosley. So does the 5:2 diet still work?

Firstly, I really love the 5:2 diet. Mainly because I’m not (a) good at diets and (b) good at being hungry. I get hangry very quickly and will stab your hand with my fork should you try to pinch some food off of my plate #justsaying

Secondly, and most importantly, if you have any health conditions, or are looking to change your diet and way of eating, please consult your GP first.

WHAT IS THE 5:2 DIET?

The framework of the 5:2 diet plan consists of restricting your calorie intake, by 25%, for 2 days of your week. For women, 2 days at 500 calories, and for men 600 calories. For the remaining 5 days, you eat as normal. Healthily being the preference rather than heading to the ‘eat as much as you can’ emerging like Hammy the Hamster.

The initial diet plan came into being when Michael had a blood test that revealed he had Type 2 diabetes. A condition that normally involves medication. Looking for an alternative solution as opposed to being on meds, he travelled to the USA and spoke to a variety of experts who were studying fasting and its benefits.

Horizon – Eat, Fast, Live Longer – part of a BBC Science series documented his journey. The end result of his 5:2 intermittent fasting? 9kg lost and blood sugars returned to normal. Impressive.

PROS

The best way to roster your restricted calorie intake is to opt for non-consecutive days. Although you can pop the two days together, this can lead to more tiredness/low energy, and irritability. And, as already mentioned, if you’re anything like me, more hand fork stabbing.
So the upshot is to only go hungry for one day with the non-consecutive day method. I tend to opt for a Monday and Thursday. I might also shake it up with Tuesday and Thursday if I’m extra hungry after the weekend excess and then I’m kinda biting my arm off.
There are no restricted foods. ‘Clap along if you know what happiness is to you (Because I’m happy)…’ I thank you, Mr Pharrell Williams.
No expensive ingredients to buy. I feel another burst of song coming on but will refrain myself.
A revelation, you’re not starving and don’t want to eat for England to make up for your lack the day before.
Studies have found that those on the 5:2 diet lost more body fat that those doing a daily calorie restricted diet.
Health benefits also include an improvement in insulin resistance. Furthermore a study by the University of Surrey found that after meals a quicker clearing of fat (triglyceride) in your blood occurred than those on a daily diet. Additionally blood pressure was reduced by 9% by those on the 5:2 compared to a 2% reduction by those on the daily diet.
Sustainable. Very easy to follow and easy not to fall off track facedown into a food trough.

CONS

To be honest, I’m struggling to think of any cons, especially as you’re spacing out your 500 calorie days. Let’s face it, there’s only one sleep before you increase again to your usual calorie intake.

THE NEW 5:2 DIET PLAN

On the new 5:2 diet, the calorie intake, is increased to 800 calories vs 500 calories. You opt for a non calorie counted, lower carb, sensible sized portion Mediterranean style diet for the remainder of the week. Think plant-based foods such as whole grains, fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts, oily fish, olive oil et al.

THE FAST KETO 800 DIET

Recently Michael announced his latest diet plan, the Fast Keto 800. You can use this as a kickstart to the 5:2 for up to 12 weeks. Picking up from the Fast 800 but tweaked to incorporate keto by reducing carbs further.

Unlike diets that generally introduce ketosis with copious amounts of hard bad fats like cheese, cream, butter (or maybe that’s my recollection!), the Fast Keto 800 opts for keto in lower saturated fats. Thereby continuing on the Mediterranean-style diet theme.

The 50:50 rule recommends that protein remains above 50g and carbohydrates under 50g per day.

THE LOWDOWN

I would say it boils down to your commitment and if you want to restrict your calories daily for a set duration or prefer to go for little short term hits.

Not keen on weeks of deprivation? Me neither. Drama queen? Yep in relation to food you bet I am.

As a side note, I used to work with someone who had no interest in food and only ate to live. I, on the other hand, go to bed thinking about what I’m gonna have for breakfast.

On the subject of breakfast. How do you start your mornings? Ever thought of Rah Rah Celery Juice?

Back to diet plans. If, like me, you have the willpower of a kid in a sweet shop and are happy to take a bit longer reaching your goal then methinks the 5:2 diet is where it’s at.

If you’re struggling to think of meal ideas, BBC Good Food has a number of tasty recipes, all coming in at 250 calories. Alternatively you can grab a copy of The Fast Diet by Dr Michael Mosley and Mimi Spencer, which includes meal suggestions. The 5:2 Vegetarian by Celia Brooks is also very good. Your taste buds will thank you.

So in answer to the Q, does the 5:2 diet still work? For me, yes, definitely, and I tend to go for the original 500 version. It’s great for gradual but effective weight loss, plus there’s very little (if any) FOMO on social eating celebrations. Yay.

Have you tried the 5:2 diet plan? Let us know what you think in the comments!

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