Life Style

UK holidaymakers planning a January getaway are being urged to exercise caution before finalising their bookings as travel experts warn of potential pitfalls during the winter months.The post-Christmas period has become a popular time for short breaks, city escapes and ski trips, but this is also when travellers may face disappointment due to hotels potentially cutting corners during the quieter season.Travel specialists at Ski Vertigo have issued a warning to those with January hotel reservations, advising them to be aware of potential risks. They note that many hotels operate differently once the festive rush dies down, which can catch guests off guard.Advice from industry body ABTA - the UK's leading trade association for tour operators and travel agents - suggests that travellers sh...

Homeowners with security cameras must follow a series of stringent rules to legally film and store footage. Failing to comply with these laws could lead to prosecution for criminal offences such as harassment or stalking.Details of the rules were discussed as Conservative MP Suella Braverman questioned in Parliament whether the Home Office plans to reassess the classification of neighbour harassment involving invasive CCTV monitoring. Labour MP Sara Jones outlined precisely what regulations domestic surveillance cameras must follow and how people might breach harassment legislation.She explained: "Where there is sufficient evidence of harassment or stalking from a domestic camera system, this may lead to prosecution for a criminal offence of harassment or stalking under the Protection f...

Drying washing during winter can be infuriating for anyone trying to slash their energy bills, but there's a simple trick to get your clothes dry and fresh without wasting electricity. Most homes opt to hang garments on a drying rack when the temperature drops, as although tumble dryers provide convenience, they're among the household's most power-hungry appliances.As a result, many people switch off tumble dryers to prevent their energy bills from skyrocketing and instead opt for more cost-effective options, such as dehumidifiers or drying racks - and one expert has pointed out the best option.  Mark Walker, a laundry expert from Denver Wash and Fold, firmly recommends using dehumidifiers throughout the winter period, as they keep both clothing and properties in a dry condition. He sai...

Soak up the beauty of the European waterways in 2026 (Image: Riviera Travel) This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Riviera Travel is offering up to 20% off its 2026 European river cruises, giving travellers the chance to explore iconic waterways such as the Rhône, Danube and Rhine in comfort and style. Guests can enjoy a blend of culture, relaxation and adventure, with expert guides, excursions and hotel stays included.Riviera’s river cruises are ideal for those wanting to visit multiple destinations in one holiday, taking in everything from cultural landmarks to stunning landscapes while staying in luxury accommodation on the water. The sale is live now, with bookings open until January 30, with deposits startin...

Temperatures have dropped all across the country, with a number of areas of the UK being given a Yellow or Amber warning for ice and snow for this week. The freezing conditions are expected to continue for the next few days, reports the Mirror. The cold weather could throw up a number of issues, including those related to your vehicles and properties. If you're faced with a slippery driveway and unsure of how to handle it, there are five steps you can take to ensure a safe departure. This is crucial not only for your own safety but also for that of any passengers and pedestrians – so make sure to heed the advice below:

A veterinary technician has listed several "emergency" signs to watch for in dogs during the winter months. With many parts of the country seeing picturesque snowfall, it's left some dog owners unsure as to when it's safe to take their pets out for a walk.Known as "man's best friend", dogs belong to millions of owners all over the world. Licensed vet technician Jill was keen to help them navigate the chilly temperatures.In a video shared on YouTube, she provided a list of symptoms dog owners should be vigilant about when taking their pets out in the snow.She said there are a "lot of variables that come into play" in determining whether it's too cold for a dog to go outside, such as the breed, size, and fur type of the animal.Dogs with thicker coats and high energy levels are likely to f...

The NHS has issued guidance for anyone currently prescribed clonazepam, a widely-used medication from the benzodiazepine family. The health service states that this drug is commonly prescribed to help manage seizures or fits caused by epilepsy, involuntary muscle spasms, and panic disorders.However, it is also given to those suffering from restless legs syndrome (RLS) with NHS inform highlighting that "as many as 1 in 10 people are affected by restless legs syndrome at some point in their life."The NHS clarifies: It works by increasing the levels of a calming chemical in your brain called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This can relieve anxiety, stop seizures and fits or relax tense muscles."Available only by prescription, the medication can be taken in either tablet or liquid form. Mos...

Thankfully, BBC’s The Traitors is back on our screens to keep us entertained during these long January evenings, and with it is Claudia Winkleman’s stellar wardrobe choices. The star is known for her effortless, offbeat style, and the latest season is no exception. During the first episode, the TV presenter, 53, stepped out in a Saint Laurent oversized peacoat, which retails for a hefty £3,655. It features a roomy, oversized cut and traditional double-breasted front that gives Claudia a perfect blend of smart and cool. It’s a versatile piece that would feel equally at home on set as it does on the school run. On camera, it adds a layer of sophistication to her look, while still feeling practical for the autumn and winter months.Of course, the Saint Laurent version doesn’t come cheap but...

A father who dedicated 12 years to crafting his daughter's graduation gift has revealed how his child was moved to tears upon receiving it. Choosing the perfect present for a child's graduation can prove challenging, particularly after years of hard work and commitment from both student and parents alike.Expressing parental pride in words often feels impossible, but one devoted dad managed to strike gold with the ideal gift that cost him merely £10. When his daughter reached the age of four, he stumbled across a Reddit post about a thoughtful present someone had given their 18-year-old child.The parent had presented their youngster with the beloved book "Oh The Places You'll Go" by Dr Seuss, with each page containing a personalised message from every educator they'd encountered from nur...

January marks the time when most households begin seeking methods to reduce expenditure. The festive decorations are packed away, budgets become tighter, and heating emerges as one of the largest expenses to control.Energy costs remain elevated and additional increases cannot be dismissed. The new year also presents an ideal opportunity to reconsider how we warm our properties. A handful of minor modifications can create cosier rooms, reduce bills, and make energy last longer throughout the harshest months.This is according to indoor living specialists Vonhaus, who suggested there were more intelligent approaches to retaining the heat you already possess.Direct warmth where you require it mostOperating central heating throughout the day represents one of the fastest methods to exhaust a...