Take advantage of extra bank holiday by going on a short break in the UK

With next month's royal wedding giving Britons an additional bank holiday, going on a short UK break could be a great way for people to make use of the extra time off work.

With Britons set to benefit from an extra bank holiday in April due to the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, next month could be an ideal time to take advantage of the additional time off and go on a short break in the UK.

The pair are set to marry on Friday April 29th and with the following Monday (May 2nd) being the May bank holiday, many people will be able to enjoy a four-day weekend.

And with Easter falling the week before the royal wedding, next month could be a great opportunity for Britons to make the most of the time they have off work and go away on a short trip away.

Indeed, a National Trust spokesperson recently claimed that the additional day offer may allow people to "possibly travel further afield than they normally would".

Her organisation notes that the extra-long bank holiday could be a great time for families to spend quality time together and go "somewhere where there is plenty of outdoor space and fresh air".

Staying at holiday properties in particularly scenic parts of the UK could make for a fantastic short break, with the National Trust representative pointing out Wales and the Lake District are two areas that are especially well suited for pursuits such as walking and cycling.

However, those looking to take advantage of April's long weekends and explore the UK might prefer the freedom and flexibility that comes with caravans.

By hooking up a caravan to the back of a car, people can have the option of staying at camping resorts throughout the country.

There is the option of exploring seaside towns and villages in northern England - such as Scarborough and Whitby - or holidaymakers may want to head to Essex for a short caravan break in somewhere like Colchester or Southminster.

Wherever they go, spending the long bank holiday weekend on a caravan break could prove a rewarding way for travellers to spend their time, should the comments of one expert be anything to go off.

Jon Dale, publicity manager for the Camping and Caravanning Club, states those who go on caravanning trips enjoy the sense of "community and family togetherness" that they foster.

"People come together when they go on a caravan holiday and embrace the concept. They cook together, they clean together, so it is really a community spirit which you can't always get when you travel abroad because not many people can afford to go," he claims.

Cornwall is one of the UK's most popular tourism destinations - whether for those staying in caravans or seeking holiday rental properties such as cottages, farmhouse and villas - so a visit to the south-west county could prove a great way to spend the long weekend.

Here, people will be able to travel to Land's End - the most southerly point on the UK mainland - spend time surfing off the coast of Newquay or visit the Eden Project.

A holiday here could also allow people to sample local produce such as freshly caught seafood and the traditional Cornish pasty.

David Rodda, rural delivery manager at the Cornwall Development Company, recently stated that "a high proportion of tourists look for local food when they come to Cornwall". Using the long weekend as an opportunity to sample the region's gastronomic delights could prove a great activity for foodies.

Alternatively, a city break could be a great way to spend the bank holiday. Manchester is home to a range of family friendly attractions such as the Museum of Science and Industry and the Imperial War Museum North. Staying in tourist properties in London - which will be the location of the royal wedding - may put people within easy reach of attractions such as Big Ben, the London Eye and the National Portrait Gallery.

With so many places to go, people will not be short of finding somewhere to go on a short UK break during the long bank holiday weekend.

Upgrading a car stereo system

 By upgrading their stereo system, drivers may be able to get the most out of their music.

Whether your taste in music involves a passion for Tinie Tempah to Tchaikovsky, you are sure to want to get the most out of your tunes while on the road.

A significant number of drivers listen to music while behind the wheel of the car, but if your current system is worn-out and leaves songs sounding tinny or you just want to utilise the latest audio technology, now may be the time to invest in a new sound set-up.

This may particularly be the case if you've had your current motor for a number of years. Cars which were built in the 1990s may only come with analogue radio and cassette functions, making listening to CDs or digital radio stations like BBC 6 Music impossible.

But what things to do you need to consider when it comes to upgrading your car stereo system?

If you're going to improve your motor's audio capabilities, then you will probably need to replace the head unit.

Upgrading the central console can allow you to search for and save your favourite radio channels so you do not have to spend ages tuning to find your station of choice and use bass and treble controls to make your favourite tracks sound even better.

It is also possible to get stereos that can change CDs, meaning you don't have to constantly put in a new disc once an album has come to an end, as well as ones that can be connected to Bluetooth or hooked up to an iPod.

Some of the world's largest electronics companies manufacture such products, including Sony, Pioneer and Panasonic, so there should be plenty of choice on your hands.

Taking the time to weigh up the features of different products is advisable and as a general rule the more watts a stereo has, the louder it can play.

But to realise the full potential of a stereo unit you will need something to actually play your music through, so you might also have to invest in some new car speakers. These can allow you to hear frequencies and notes that could not be heard on the standard speakers that your motor came with.

And if you're really looking to hear those bass notes - something which may be the case when listening to dance or hip-hop - then purchasing an additional amplifier may help to get a stronger sound. This may have to be positioned in the boot of your car and could provide the extra power to make your music come alive.

It should be possible to install a new car stereo system yourself. However, after buying one you may feel more comfortable getting a professional company to do this, for instance if you require a new shelf to be fitted to place a new amplifier on.

Once you've upgraded your system, make sure that you take steps to protect it. Not only should you make sure that your car insurance policy covers your new stereo, but it is also important to do as much as possible to reduce the chances of your motor being targeted by thieves.

A 2008 LV= study showed that a detachable car stereo is the most popular item stolen from an unattended vehicle, with 55 per cent of drivers leaving CDs in their car while out and about.

When you are behind the wheel of your car however, you may be keen to put your new set-up to the test. However, make sure that you do not play your music so loudly that it will distract you from being safe while on the road.

No matter what your taste in music or the vehicle you drive, getting a new sound system is sure to make life behind the wheel that much sweeter.

The importance of having travel insurance in place

 It is important that holidaymakers lend sufficient thought to the travel insurance policy they will need before going away.

As winter gradually turns into spring, people may be lending thought about where to go on holiday this year.

But whether it's a break abroad or staying in a rental property as part of a staycation, it is crucial that consumers take the time to make sure they have the right travel insurance cover in place.

Sorting out insurance is rarely the most exciting element of booking a holiday - after all travellers are more likely to be considering where to go and planning what exciting attractions and sights they wish to see - but it is one of the most important.

Having cover in place can offer protection for a whole range of areas, from meeting the cost of medical treatment should holidaymakers fall ill to helping to replace the cost of items stolen from the property they are staying in. Travel insurance can also be of great assistance in the event that luggage goes missing.

But while it certainly can come in useful, that is not to say that every travel insurance policy will provide full cover for every single eventuality. Much like motor and pet insurance, the amount of protection that travel cover affords differs from product to product. For this reason, it is a good idea to check what limitations are in place before opting to take out a particular policy.

"There are so many differentiators in a travel insurance policy and people really need to take a little bit of time to look at what is available in the market and make sure that it fits their needs," Mike Powell, insight analyst for general insurance for Defaqto, claims.

He also warns that people selecting the cheapest travel insurance product they find should not automatically think it will provide them with all the cover they will need.

As an example, he states those who choose the lowest insurance cover may discover that when it comes to making a claim for a camera worth £400, their policy might only offer compensation to the value of £200.

Mr Powell points out that while the majority of policies on the market will provide total cover to the value of at least £1,000 for baggage and personal possessions, there are limits and exceptions to this.

"Although you're on holiday, you do need to spend a little time thinking 'right OK, what am I taking with me? If I lose this or have to make a claim, am I going to be covered for it?'," he states.

Indeed, research from the firm shows that only one in ten travel policies have a single item limit of at least £350.

Taking the time to research the travel insurance options available could be particularly important this year, as figures published by TripAdvisor in November showed one in ten people plan on going away more in 2011 than they did in 2010.

As well as the increase in popularity for going away, it seems more holidaymakers are aware of the importance of purchasing travel insurance. Some 28 per cent told the firm that they are more likely to get cover in 2011 than last year.

Commenting on the study, AITO Specialist Travel Agents chairman Oliver Broad states: "The fact that more people are realising the importance of insurance makes me hope they will ensure they have the correct cover for their trip, as it's imperative to have this in place."

However, it appears that doing so is not always an easy task. One in five travellers aged 65 and above told LV= that getting the right travel insurance for their needs is a problem.

This is despite the organisation revealing that the over-50s account for more than one-third of all holidays taken by Britons, with Spain, Italy and France among the most popular destinations.

And while many people may only consider getting travel insurance when going abroad, it can also provide useful cover for domestic holidays, whether it's a city break in London or two weeks in a cottage property in Cornwall.

Whatever their age or wherever they wish to go, taking the time to research the travel insurance options available can ensure people can go on holiday with the total peace of mind that they will be covered.

Making your property greener

 There are several ways people can make their properties more energy efficient and by doing so they could significantly lower the cost of their gas and electricity bills. 

With the cold snap only recently thawing and all six of the UK's largest utility companies increasing their gas and electricity prices over the past few weeks, you could find you are faced with costly utility bills being put through your letterbox in the coming days.

But while there is little you can to do reduce the amount of money you have just been charged, by taking steps to make your property greener it is possible for you to improve its energy efficiency and consequently reduce the amount of money you have to pay for future bills.

There are many ways in which you can lower your home's carbon footprint and while this will involve some initial outlay, in time you will be able to recoup such expenditure in the form of lower gas and electricity costs.

If you're particularly keen to reduce the amount of money you pay in electricity, you should be sure to invest in energy-efficient LED lighting.

Victoria Lee, lighting designer for Light IQ, recently noted that although these products are more expensive than incandescent bulbs, people "will reap the rewards when they're looking at the electricity bill".

Purchasing LED lighting, Ms Lee adds, also means homeowners will not have to change bulbs as often, which in time can also lead to further savings.

Another way you could reduce your house's utility bills is by getting loft insulation and this is certainly a popular measure for making a property more energy efficient.

Recent data from the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) shows that of the 26.6 million homes in Britain at the start of this year, 12.9 million had loft insulation to a depth of at least 125 mm fitted, a rise of 310,000 from those which had this green feature in October 2010.

Substantial savings could well be seen by investing in loft insulation. The Energy Saving Trust (EST) reports that insulating a previously uninsulated loft can save the average homeowner £145 each year.

The DECC also reveal that the number of properties with cavity wall insulation rose 140,000 over the last three months of 2010 to stand at 10.6 million.

Investing in a new boiler could also go a long way to making your house greener. The EST reports that in a gas-heated home these account for around 60 per cent of the CO2 emissions generated, so significant energy savings could be on hand by getting a new boiler.

All boilers have an energy rating from A - for those boilers with the best efficiency performance - to G, reserved for the worse. By purchasing a top-performing model, you could soon see a difference in your utility bills.

If you are getting a new boiler installed or having maintenance work carried out on your existing one, it is vital that the engineer who does it is a member of the Gas Safe Register (GSR).

Only those with GSR accreditation are legally qualified to work on gas appliances, so make sure that anyone visiting your property to fit or repair a boiler has the right documentation.

Buying a boiler and getting it fitted can involve some significant outlay, however there are several other, less expensive, ways in which you can make your home greener. Why not invest in draught excluders to stop heat from escaping through the windows and doors? You might also want to buy lagging to wrap around your water pipes, while a thick pair of curtains could make your home feel cosier during the cold nights.

There are so many ways in which you can make your home greener that just investing in a few of the above measures could see you enjoy lower utility bills for many years to come!

Sprucing up a bathroom

 Improving a bathroom could prove an effective way for people to spruce up their property for 2011.


With the festive period now firmly in the back of people's minds, many may be looking towards the early stages of 2011 as a great time to make a fresh start.


And there could be few better areas to do this than in the home. However, with the tense financial climate making it difficult for consumers - especially first-time buyers - to advance on the property ladder, recent years have seen an increase in the number of people choosing to remain in their current home.


But by staying put - rather than moving - Brits could be keen to make the most of the space they do have and, in these uncertain and cloudy economic times, give their home a splash of much-needed colour.


One part of a property that has traditionally been popular among people looking to carry out home improvements is the bathroom. Doing so can not only see consumers - whether they rent or own their home - benefit from the latest energy-efficient appliances, but also make it more aesthetically pleasing.


And according to Jack Shalom, sales director for bathroom technology firm Showerdrape, one recent trend has seen people move away from suites in white and natural tones toward investing in "much brighter colours".


One shade that would-be bathroom improvers may want to consider is orange. In a November 2010 article for Terry's Fabrics, Helen Green points out that while it may not be the first colour people would decorate this part of their house with, it is ideal for those looking to introduce "some warmth, fun and a little bit of the unexpected".


But doing so can prove a rather big step - she claims these bathrooms are "bold and proud" - especially for those who are not normally used to decorating their property with bright colours, so making a few minor changes or starting with a few accessories in this shade could be advisable.


Mr Shalom adds that those people who have a second bathroom in their home are likely to be "a little bit more daring" when it comes to decorating this room rather than the main suite.


The popularity of bathroom improvements seems to be a global trend, with a poll by the National Association for the Remodeling Industry showing that the majority of Americans are looking to spruce up their bathroom over the next six months.


Jane Henderson of FW Interiors Design told the Poughkeepsie Journal that "relaxing and soothing shades", such as yellow and pink, are set to be popular choices this year.


And should homeowners eventually look to put their property on the market, the investments made in improving the bathroom could pay dividends. A study by Post Office Mortgages revealed that a new bathroom is the second most popular 'property turn on' among Britons, with only a new kitchen being more sought-after.


Meanwhile, an avocado-coloured bathroom was rated as one of the worst interior design trends, alongside the likes of woodchip walls, lino and fake laminate wood flooring.


Whether people are looking to improve their bathroom with the intention of increasing the overall value of their property or just want to make the most of their existing living space, hiring a professional to do such work could be advisable.


Figures released by Halifax in January showed two-thirds of Britons are bypassing hiring tradesmen to carry out property improvements in an effort to save money, with 13 per cent of those questioned hiring friends and family members to help renovate a bathroom.


However, doing so could be to their detriment as according to the study, 59 per cent of those doing major property jobs themselves are unqualified. And as more than one in six DIY jobs go wrong, costing an average of £426 to repair, people could find that hiring a professional to renovate a bathroom sees them save money in the long run.

Preparing to drive in poor weather

While the snow that swamped the UK over recent months has largely disappeared, drivers should still consider how they can prepare their car to drive in poor conditions.

The swathes of wintry weather to have hit the UK in recent months could well have seen many drivers spend hours digging their car out of the snow and contending with bitterly cold temperatures and ice-laden roads in an effort to get to their destination.

But although most places in the country are now free of snow, with the Met Office continuing to issue weather warnings for gale-force winds and heavy rainfall, motorists may still want to consider what action they should take when driving in poor conditions.

And although it is now early February, drivers could be well advised to invest in winter tyres. Flurries of snow in March and April have been known to happen in the past - most recently in 2010 - so buying these tyres could be a good idea even at this time of year.

Featuring wider grooves and silts at the edge of the tread area, such products are designed to provide better grip when driving on ice and snow.

And Peter Rodger, chief examiner of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, notes snow tyres "could be a sensible option for some UK motorists", particularly those who live in remote or high-altitude areas.

But while drivers can leave these tyres on their car all year round, doing so may be unadvisable as they will offer less grip in warmer, dryer conditions and are susceptible to wear out more quickly.

Alternatively, those driving in poor weather might want to purchase all-season tyres. These can be suitable in a whole range of conditions, although they do not offer the same level of protection in snow as those designed specifically for use in the winter.

But people preparing to set off in bad weather should do more than just making sure they have the right tyres for their car.

GEM Motoring Assist chief executive David Williams points out that in the event they encounter problems while out on the roads, motorists should pack items such as a torch, tow ropes, blankets and food.

Indeed, research published by the firm last year showed 73 per cent of drivers have taken positive action in preparing their vehicle for hazardous conditions, a turnaround from the three-quarters of Britons questioned in 2008 who claimed they rarely have anything more than de-icer and a scraper in the boot.

"It seems an increasing number of drivers are much more aware of the problems they could be faced with and have actually done something about it," Mr Williams reports.

However, a 2010 TyreSafe study showed that while 54 per cent of motorists felt less safe about driving in the colder months, one in five (18 per cent) fail to take any specific measures to prepare their car for this time of year.

The organisation notes drivers should make sure that tread depth around the entire circumference of their tyres exceeds the legal minimal requirements of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters.

Checking tyre pressure before a long journey or making sure wheels do not have any cuts or objects embedded in them was also advised.

But while there may not be as much snow on the ground as there was in December and January, the cold temperatures many parts of the country continue to experience will require motorists to consider how to maintain their vehicle's performance.

Recent Kwik Fit research showed more than half (56 per cent) of drivers keep their air-conditioning system switched off during the winter. But while many of these consumers believe they are saving money, doing so can actually lead to a build up of bacteria in the system as well as increasing the risk of leaks when they are used again in the summer.

And as the Met Office issued weather warnings for heavy snow in the Highlands, Grampian and Strathclyde areas of Scotland - among others - early today (February 4th) motorists should ensure they are always prepared to drive in bad weather.

However, by bearing the above points and comments in mind, getting a car in shape for poor conditions need not be a difficult task.

Things to consider when buying a pedigree dog

There are several things people should bear in mind before buying a pedigree dog.

For those looking to buy pets that will offer many years of companionship, pedigree dogs can prove to be a great choice.

However, with more than 200 breeds to choose from - ranging from cocker spaniels and Irish setters to Rhodesian ridgebacks and Boston terriers - people may want to think long and hard about what kind of dog to buy.

Of course, Brits may wish to buy the same species of dog as the family pet that they had when they were younger or have always longed for a certain breed, such as a dalmatian.

Whatever kind of pedigree puppy or dog consumers want to get, there are several things that they will need to do before making a purchase.

And top of the list, according to Discover Dogs, is doing one's homework when seeking out a good breeder. The Kennel Club-sponsored show notes that good breeders are unlikely to sell their animals to a pet shop, instead preferring to deal with consumers direct, so checking out their credentials online may be a good idea.

As such, the organisation advises that pedigree dog buyers only purchase from a Kennel Club-accredited breeder. Members of the voluntary scheme agree to meet a minimum standard of breeding practices, including rearing healthy animals and ensuring they provide advice to new owners on training a dog.

Those seeking reputable breeders and healthy, happy pedigrees are also urged to ensure that they meet the puppy - and its mother - before deciding on whether to make a purchase.

Consumers should also inspect a dog carefully before buying and while the specific things they need to look out for may vary depending on the species, would-be owners may want to see that the canine does not have any problems walking and that its teeth are in good condition.

Having a dog screened by a vet could help consumers flag up any potential health problems and provide them with guidance on whether it is likely to have a predisposition to certain diseases or conditions. According to Dog Biz, German shepherds can be particularly susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia.

Prior to getting a new dog, the breeder should also be able to provide consumers with documentation that proves it is a thoroughbred.

Other factors that the Kennel Club advises people to consider are whether there is enough room in a home to house a dog and whether a prospective owner has the time to look after a canine and provide it with the companionship that it needs.

Potential pedigree dog owners might also want to consider if they will be able to exercise their animal every day.

And while people should think about whether they can afford the initial cost of buying a dog - a 2009 Saga report noted that buying a registered pedigree puppy can set Brits back upwards of £400 - they also need to contemplate if they will be able to pay for ongoing expenses such as vet bills, food and pet insurance.

Indeed, research carried out by Sainsbury's last year showed that in 2009 the average cost of a pet insurance claim for a pedigree stood at £337.

However, this can vary drastically depending on the breed of dog owned. The typical pet insurance claim for an Italian spinone was revealed to be £506, with this rising to £543 for dachshunds.

On the other end of the scale, the average pet insurance claim for greyhounds and whippets is £199 and £175 respectively.

By bearing the above factors in mind, pet-owners may find that they are able to get the pedigree dog that is right for them.