A destination known to be popular with the rich and famous, the Kardashians love going there, it’s a destination that’s been gaining popularity over the last few years. In fact, the number of annual international overnight visitors almost doubled in six years. This saw the number climb from around 8.5 million in 2010 to just under 15.3 million in 2016. That’s a lot of people.

If you’re thinking of holidaying there, and you haven’t been before, then there are a few things that you need to know before visiting Dubai. Below, we’ve listed four things you should keep in mind, which you’ve probably not even considered.

1. Smoking

While smoking in the UK has decreased over the last decade or two, it’s still quite commonplace in many other countries. However, when it comes to e-cigs and e-liquid devices, it’ll probably be best to leave yours at home while visiting Dubai. You may be wondering why, but it’s actually illegal to sell them in the UAE. But, while there isn’t a law that prohibits the use of them, some say the lines can be a bit blurred. This is due to some wondering if they could still encounter a fine if using them in a place that allows smoking. Therefore, it’s probably best to leave yours at home.

2. Clothing

While the country is known for being extremely hot, please remember that you’re in a more conservative country. Because of this, you should ensure that you keep your holiday wardrobe more on the conservative side too. This means that when packing you should make sure that you pack long-sleeves and full-length trousers, as well as your swimwear that’ll no doubt come in handy at your resort. It’ll also be worth talking to the staff at your hotel about what you can wear depending on where you’re going, if you want to be 100% sure.

3. Cash

Although we’ve become accustomed to a contactless society, this isn’t the case in Dubai. In fact, cash is still very much king when it comes to transactions. Therefore, make sure you get enough cash to take away with you before leaving for your holiday (the currency here is Dirham). However, many places will accept credit cards, but it’s always better to be prepared for any eventuality.

4. Kissing

As mentioned above, Dubai is a much more conservative country than the UK. Because of this, public kissing is a bit of a no-no. Therefore, public displays of affection in restaurants, on the beach, in nightclubs, on the street and in taxis are best avoided, as you could find yourself getting into a lot of trouble.

The Vicarage

Set on the outskirts of the sleepy village of Holmes Chapel, The Vicarage offers everything you could possibly desire for a glorious countryside weekend. Housed in a 17^th Century Grade II listed building and centred around its cosy restaurant and bar area, the hotel finds the perfect balance between rustic, vintage interiors and contemporary edge. Stunning woodwork, perfectly restored original features and thoughtful details give the inn a sense of place and the general friendly and warm ambiance make you feel at home.

The 26 rooms fall into two categories, standard and signature, and offer supremely comfortable Queen and King-sized beds, Nespresso coffee machines, rainmaker showers and a lovely selection of second-hand books – a nice little touch that adds to the hotel’s charm. For a real treat though, book one of the three signature rooms which are a tad more lush and characterful.

Driven by the gardeners, foragers, farmers and suppliers of Cheshire, everything in the main restaurant’s menu is locally sourced and comprises a number of beautifully cooked classics. Stand-outs include a mouth-watering smoked salmon and caviar starter and a cooked-to-perfection sea bass main. Served in the light, bright conservatory and the restaurant room next to it, the breakfast buffet isn’t huge but covers all the essentials: fruits, yoghurts, cereals and granola, juices, pastries and an impressive toast bar which comes with everything from butter and a selection of jams through to Marmite and peanut butter. You can also opt for freshly cooked to order Full English breakfast (vegetarian option available too), Eggs Benedict, Florentine and Royale, avocado on toast and sweet or savoury pancakes.

For more information and to book your visit, please go to: https://www.thevicaragecheshire.com/

The Courthouse

A renovation of what was previously Knutsford Crown Court is another great base for a weekend escape in Cheshire. Beautifully refurbished to mimic the building’s style and history, The Courthouse is home to Barristers Restaurant, and The Court Room – a popular weddings and events space, as well as the recent addition of three stunning bedrooms.

As one would expect when hearing its name, Barristers Restaurant stays true to the history of the building – barristers’ wigs hanging from pegs, framed pictures of famous offenders lining the walls and a menu that consists of ‘opening statements’, ‘proceedings’ and ‘main evidence’ instead of the more commonly used ‘nibbles’, ‘starters’ and ‘mains’. Why not make the most of what’s already there? Working closely with local suppliers, Executive Chef Steven Tuke crafts traditionally British menus that change with the season and include classics such as slow braised lamb shoulder, smoked cod loin and swordfish steak. And the verdict seems to be that everything he’s doing is working - whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, locals flock to the restaurant for Chef Tuke’s hearty creations.

Earlier this year, The Courthouse opened its first three rooms – the Twin King Suite, the Superior Bridal Suite and the Signature King Suite. However, the owners of Flat Cap Hotels, brothers Dominic and Oliver Heywood, are not planning to stop here and are opening eight more luxury bedrooms in the existing wings of the iconic building. Stay tuned for more from the duo.

For more information and to book your visit, please go to: https://thecourthousecheshire.com/

Rugged coastline, sandy beaches, beautiful countryside, medieval castles and a world-class food scene. The largest Channel Island, Jersey, is the perfect destination for a long weekend break, although the abundance of cultural and scenic experiences and the genuine friendliness of everyone you meet promise to make you want to book another trip and return there as soon as you’re back home.

If you’re planning a mini trip to Jersey or if you need inspiration for your next weekend getaway this summer, then read on for Finance Monthly’s top recommendations.

How to get there?

Getting from Europe, and especially the UK, to Jersey is ridiculously easy. Flybe operates flights to Jersey from all major British cities, which get you to the picturesque island in approximately an hour. Once you land, grab a Hertz rental car from the arrivals hall and head out into the narrow country lanes.

Where to stay?

With its breath-taking views across St. Ouen’s Bay, stunning outdoor pool and swaying palms, The Atlantic Hotel makes it difficult to believe that all of this is only an hour-long flight from London. With its six acres of grounds that border La Moye Golf Course, along with lush gardens, timelessly elegant interiors and rooms that have either sea or golf-course views, The Atlantic Hotel is Jersey’s answer to beachside luxury.

If you don’t feel like heading out to the capital St. Helier for dinner on your first night in Jersey, enjoy a gastronomic fine-dining experience at the hotel’s Ocean Restaurant and sample the Tasting Room seven-course menu by Chef Will Holland.

The Atlantic Hotel offers an Atlantic break year round from £118 per person per night. This includes accommodation, full English breakfast each morning, a three-course dinner in Ocean Restaurant each night, use of the Palm Club and a group B hire car (petrol, insurance and Jersey hire car tax to be settled direct with the hire car company). Minimum two-night stay.

To book your stay at The Atlantic Hotel, please visit www.theatlantichotel.com, call +44 (0) 1534 744101 or email reservations@theatlantichotel.com.

What to do & see?

Jersey is only five miles by nine miles, but is brimming with an abundance of things to do. With its hugely varied landscape, a coastline that doesn’t get boring for a second, ideal conditions for water sports such as surfing or kayaking, a number of museums, an adventure centre, a zoo and so much history, the island offers something for everyone.

Start off your day of exploration in St. Brelade’s Bay by taking a stroll along the beach and soaking up some sunshine. La Corbière is the extreme south-western point of Jersey in St. Brelade and visiting its lighthouse is another great way to take in the endless sea views. However, you still haven’t seen anything and I promise you - it only gets better. For some of the most dramatic scenery on the whole island, drive along the west coast, all the way up until you get to the main act – the rugged north coast. We suggest stopping a few times to fully enjoy the jaw-dropping beauty of Jersey’s north coast and take photos.

Following this, grab a quick crab sandwich and a coffee from Jersey’s iconic kiosk The Hungry Man and set some time aside to properly explore the network of staircases and secret rooms in Mont Orgueil Castle, which guards the picturesque village of Gorey on the east coast.

After a delicious breakfast in the Atlantic Hotel on the next morning, prepare yourselves for a journey back in time with Jersey War Tours. Immerse yourselves in the Channel Island’s fascinating WWII history by visiting a number of bunkers, batteries, tunnels, towers and many other sites - all of which are not open to the public.

In addition to its water sports offering, adrenaline junkies or families with kids can enjoy a morning or an afternoon at Valley Adventure Centre, which offers an exciting range of activities such as zip wiring, aerial or rookie trekking, climbing, paintball and more.

If you have some time to spare before your flight, grab your car and head to the capital St. Helier for a coffee or an ice-cream and some shopping or enjoy one last beach walk and a few final deep breaths of fresh salty air.

Where to dine?

For a real taste of just-caught seafood, head to the Michelin Bib Gourmand Mark Jordan at the Beach – a relaxed beachside restaurant in the magical fishing village of St. Aubin. Delicious, locally sourced and cleverly presented food, excellent views, laid back atmosphere and outstanding service – what more can one ask for? The Jersey scallops with chive and cucumber beurre blanc and the brill in lobster bisque are both unmissable.

On your last night, head back to St. Aubin and its harbour and finish your day at Salty Dog Bar & Bistro. Enjoy a glass of wine in the garden before settling down in the bustling dining area to indulge in classic dishes, with a contemporary twist and impeccably prepared with local ingredients. For a taste of everything, try the St. Aubin Seafood sharing platter for two, which comes with scrumptious Jersey Royals and a green salad.

For more information about Jersey, please visit www.jersey.com 

Flybe operates daily flights to Jersey from London and Birmingham, with fares starting from £26.33 one way, including taxes and charges. Book now at www.flybe.com

The UK’s festival season is getting underway and although Glastonbury is absent from the scene this year, music fans still have plenty to choose from. Festivals have become big business, with ticket prices ranging from under £60 to hundreds of pounds, depending on the level of luxury. Equifax outlines ticket and travel costs for festival goers to help people know how much to budget.

According to a latest survey, the average UK festivalgoer spends £354.54. Equifax’s own research shows that it’s easy to spend hundreds on a festival, before even considering food and drink for the weekend. However, despite the cost, 82% of festival goers think it is good value for money.

For instance, hard rock and heavy metal festival Download offers a weekend arena-only ticket for £175 or £200, including three nights of camping. Meanwhile, the Isle of Wight Festival offers a weekend adult ticket for £209, whilst the student ticket is £175. However, festival goers have to factor in an extra £31 per person for the ferry. On top of the ticket, music fans need to budget for travel – coaches to various locations can range from £37 to £97, depending on the distance. Train costs are usually higher.

Alternatively, music fans can cut costs if they live near a city and choose one of the city park festivals, such as Manchester’s Parklife or TRNSMT in Glasgow. Parklife offers day tickets for £65 or a weekend pass for £109.50. TRNSMT is £59.50 for a day pass or £155 for three days.

More and more festivals are now offering luxury and VIP or experience ticket options, which really push the price up. For those who don’t like roughing it, ‘glamping’ options include more luxurious bell tents, which are already erected and include lavish furnishings, such as sheepskins and even plugs and hair straighteners. The prices range from a pre-pitched tent at £13.63 per night at Bestival, up to £481.50 per night for their bell tents and tipi experiences.

In addition, families have more choice of kid-friendly festivals. However, it’s worth considering that teens get a reduced rate, and children get in for free at some festivals, whilst others charge for kids as young as four, so it’s worth doing some research.

Lisa Hardstaff, credit information expert at Equifax, comments, “Music festivals have become a big part of the British summer, with new ones cropping up often. The prices of tickets go up every year. The cost of the entry ticket is just the start, with travel and extras such as parking or camping access all adding to the total cost.

“Once people are at a festival, they need to consider the costs of food and drink, which add a considerable amount to what they end up spending. The average main meal could cost around £10 from a festival catering venue – this can add up over three or four days. We suggest setting a budget and estimating the overall costs, including travel and daily spending on food, drink and optional extras – such as glitter face paint, clothes or souvenirs. With a bit of planning, people can look back on a festival of happy memories, rather than counting the cost weeks or even months later.”

(Source: Equifax)

Warm mulled wine, sizzling bratwursts and fresh pretzels – it’s officially Christmas-market season! In recent years, the German-themed Christmas market concept has become very popular across Europe. In the UK for example, tens of markets open in late November, ready to get people into the Christmas mood. However, we’d all agree that nothing beats the real thing and luckily, authentic German Christmas markets are only a short flight away from the UK.

Nuremberg (Nürnberg) is Bavaria’s second-biggest city and the perfect town for a mini trip. With its charming Bavarian architecture, elegant Altstadt and impressive castle, Nuremberg attracts tourists year-around and especially during the truly authentic Christmas market. I recently flew with bmi regional from Birmingham International Airport (BHX) to Nuremberg Airport (NUE) to spend a weekend of long walks, Bavarian beer and gingerbread and jolly times at the Christkindlesmarkt. In addition to all of this, Nuremberg also boasts a toy museum, the house in which the great engraver and painter Albrecht Dürer lived and worked and, of course, the infamous rally grounds.

Thankfully, bmi regional flies daily (except Saturdays) between Birmingham and Nuremberg. One way fares start at £81 and include 23kg of hold luggage, complimentary in-flight drinks and snacks, allocated seating and speedy 30 minute check-ins. Pack your warm clothes and Christmas spirit and book your flights now!

Website: www.flybmi.com

Written by Katina Hristova

Tucked away in the Vale of Aylesbury in the rural part of Buckinghamshire and just one hour from central London, Heathrow and Luton Airports is the stunning Hartwell House & Spa. The building, whose history is as rich as its beauty, stretching back almost a thousand years to the reign of Edward the Confessor, has been the seat of William Peveral, the natural son of William the Conqueror; of John Earl of Mortaign; and of Louis XVIII, the exiled King of France who held court there from 1809 to 1814. For a weekend away from the city, which promises fresh air, relaxing SPA treatments, delicious fine dining experiences-all in magnificent setting, a visit at the Hartwell House & Spa is all you’d need and more!

As soon as you step into the impressive Grade I listed building, the welcoming and helpful staff lead you to an entrance hall, which immediately sets the tone for your stay: Jacobean and Georgian facades, antique furnishings, original artworks, magnificent Rococo ceilings in some of the rooms and opulent elegance in every little detail. Once lived in by Louis XVIII and his court, the stunning hotel still looks as authentic as it was hundreds of years ago and provides the perfect setting for a weekend of luxury seclusion.

Boasting beautiful views across the estate’s 90 acres of landscaped parkland, the 46 tastefully decorated rooms and suites, furnished with magnificent antiques, promise to not only bring you back in time, but also simultaneously provide you with unimaginable contemporary comfort.

The opulent atmosphere of this historic hotel could also be felt in the Dining Room, which was designed in 1988 in the style of the eminent early 19^th century architect Sir John Soane. The 2 AA rosette restaurant offers an extensive choice of delicious meals for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, while all food is prepared with seasonal produce from local farms, along with the hotel’s own Hartwell orchards and garden fruit, vegetables and fresh herbs.

Guests of the hotel can also dive into a complete relaxation by enjoying Hartwell House’s exquisite spa facilities, which include a large pool, sauna, steam room, spa bath, outdoor hot tub, tennis courts, and a gymnasium. The Spa also boasts beauty salons where qualified therapists offer a wide range of beauty treatments using Aromatherapy Associates, and exclusively for the UK spa market – BIOEFFECT products. BIOEFFECT is a multi-award-winning Icelandic skincare brand whose only UK-based partner is Hartwell House & Spa. Famous for its best-selling EGF Serum, BIOEFFECT uses plant-derived growth factors to dramatically improve the skin’s texture, density and radiance. A BIOEFFECT facial treatment at the Hartwell Spa is undoubtedly going to leave your skin feeling revitalised and rejuvenated.

There’s something so romantic about the English countryside and the idyllic, yet sumptuous Hartwell House & Spa could only enhance your experience among the broad fields of the Vale of Aylesbury, providing you with memories to treasure forever.

Website:  http://www.hartwell-house.com/
+44 (0)1296 747444
info@hartwell-house.com