TNT UK & IRELAND 2012

LOWDOWN ON THE 2012 OLYMPICS

THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN LONDON

EXPERT TIPS ON NETTING A TOP JOB

PLUS! INSIDE: visa information, must-visit travel destinations and more!

HELPING YOU MAKE THE MOVE tntmagazine.com

UK & IRELAND

GUIDE 2012

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IRELA

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GU

IDE 2012

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azine.com

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GUIDE 2012

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LETTER

TNTMAGAZINE.COM 3

Get ready for the trip of a lifetime

So you’ve made one of the most important decisions of your life – you’re going to leave your home comforts behind and head to foreign lands. Well, the good news is there are thousands of travellers doing the same thing, so get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

To help you on your way, we’ve put together a guide of everything you will need to make your transition as smooth as possible.

We’ve also included an essential checklist of what you need to do before you leave your home country – from visas and banks to healthcare and packing.

There’s also a helpful must-do list of what you’ll need to achieve once you land in Dear Old Blighty – from fi nding accommodation and travelling in the capital, to the top attractions and pubs.

2012 is going to be a huge year

Countdown to the UKfor London, so to help make you a part of it, we’ve compiled a guide to the Olympic venues; what’s going on where and what’s open to the public.

Turn to P87, which is where our travel section begins. Here, you’ll fi nd guides to the must-visit destinations in the UK, Ireland and Europe, as well as some further afi eld. There’s also a list of the best world festivals – get these in your diary now, otherwise you’ll miss out on witnessing some of the greatest spectaculars on Earth.

Make sure you ‘like’ TNT Magazine on Facebook and follow @tntmagazine on Twitter, to meet like-minded people in the UK before you arrive. And don’t forget to pick up the mag every Monday. We’re here for you every step of the way. Happy travels!Carol Driver Editor

TNT Magazine is printed on paper from sustainable forests. There is no

business connection between the proprietors of this magazine and TNT Ltd, the worldwide transportation group. Copyright here and abroad of all original materials is held by TNT Magazine. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden, except with permission of the publishers. Registered as a newspaper at the Post Office.

EDITORIAL Editor Carol Driver Contributing writers Rebecca Kent, Clare Vooght, Jahn Vannisselroy, Tom Sturrock, Frankie Mullin, Alasdair Morton

DESIGN AND PRODUCTIONHead of design and production Jon Cooke Graphic design manager Justine Mackay Picture researcher Laila Pacheco

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UK & IRELAND GUIDE

Intro.indd 3Intro.indd 3 2/2/12 11:33:172/2/12 11:33:17

CONTENTS

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Welcome to London P19

TAKING OFF

COUNTDOWN TO THE UK 7

TOUCHING DOWN

LIVING IN LONDON 19

BANKING, TAX AND NI 28

GETTING AROUND 34

KEEPING IN TOUCH 36

HEALTHCARE IN THE UK 38

THE OLYMPICS 41

BEING A TOURIST 49

ENTERTAINMENT 54

SPORT IN THE UK 60

Olympics P41

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CONTENTS

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GETTING WORK

GETTING WORK IN LONDON 62

TEMPING IN THE UK 66

ACCOUNTING AND FINANCE 68

TEACHING 70

MEDICAL AND HEALTHCARE 72

NANNYING AND CARING 74

SECRETARIAL AND PA 78

CATERING & HOSPITALITY 80

TRAINING & COURSES 84

TRAVEL

TRAVELLING IN EUROPE 87

ROME 92

BARCELONA 94

BERLIN 96

SAILING IN CROATIA 98

PARIS 100

TRAVELLING IN THE UK 102

EDINBURGH 105

BATH AND STONEHENGE 108

OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE 110

IRELAND 112

WORLD FESTIVALS 116

BIG TRIPS 124

La Tomatina P116

Road trips in Europe P87

Contents.indd 5Contents.indd 5 2/2/12 11:30:272/2/12 11:30:27

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››

TAKINGOFFlike us on facebook/tntmagazine

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An adventure awaitsWith everything from visas to where to bank your money to consider, it pays to be prepared WORDS REBECCA KENT

Packing up your life for the bright lights and country plains of the UK and Ireland? If only it was as simple as leaping on a plane and waving

goodbye. You’ll need to be a little more organised for a seamless transition abroad. Here, we give you a headstart. ››

TO Countdown to the UK Bec.indd 7TO Countdown to the UK Bec.indd 7 2/2/12 11:35:442/2/12 11:35:44

GET A PASSPORTIf you have a passport already, make sure it will be valid for at least six months after your intended departure date from the UK, otherwise you might get turned away at immigration.

APPLY FOR A VISAIf you’ve managed to save a small fortune to travel on, congratulations. The rest of you, though, will probably need to fi nd work to fund your new life here. If that’s the case, or if you plan to stay here for more than six months, you will need a visa. Get one at the British High Commission in your home country. Australians and New Zealanders can apply online, but you will still have to visit one of the commission’s biometric enrolment centres. It can take up to two months to process your application, and note that the British High Commission in Australia will only accept applications to within three months of your departure date. Make sure you keep abreast of visa rules as they are ever-changing. See ukvisas.gov.uk. For Ireland, see dfa.ie and entemp.ie. There is also info at tntmagazine.com.

TAKINGOFF follow us on @tntmagazine

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YOUTH MOBILITY VISA

The Youth Mobility Scheme visa is also known as a Tier 5 visa and allows 18 to 30-year-olds from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan and Monaco to live and work in the UK for up to two years. You need to accrue 50 points under the UK Home Offi ce’s Points Based System to get a Youth Mobility Scheme (Tier 5) visa:

• You get 30 points automatically if you come from one of the countries listed above, otherwise you need a certifi cate of sponsorship from your home country.• You get 10 points if aged between 18 and 30.• You get 10 points for having £1600 in the bank.

CONDITIONS OF YMV• You can stay and work in the UK for up to 24 months.• You can not set up a business, play professional sport, or work as a doctor in training in that time.• You have to leave the UK once your visa expires. If you feel your time here hasn’t been long enough, then you can apply for a Tier 1 visa (highly skilled), or Tier 2 visa (work permit). But you’ll have to return home before doing so.

Research ... and you won’t come unstuck

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graduate level position. It is also granted to employees of global companies who are being transferred to the UK. Applicants must be sponsored by a UK employer that has been registered with the UK Border Agency (UKBA). The employer must also issue you with a Certifi cate of Sponsorship to wave at the authorities should they question your stay here.

You need to score 70 points to get your paws on this visa – 50 are awarded for ‘attributes’, which is what you need to get sponsored, such as a £150,000 or more salary. You get 10 points for English language skills, and 10 mandatory points for having at least £800 in your bank account.

What you need to consider• Sponsoring employers need a licence from the UKBA.• All jobs not on the shortage occupation list must be advertised so UK and EU workers have an opportunity to apply fi rst.• The job must be of a degree level or above.• Visa offi cials have beefed up scrutiny on all sponsorship applications to ensure that both the worker and the job are legitimate.• If your position is on a list of shortage occupations published by the Migration Advisory Committee, you will automatically score 50 points and your employer

It’s time: bags packed, you’re ready to go

Plastic cash: bring a credit card from home to be safe

TIER 1 VISARestrictions were put on this route in April 2011, making it only available to Tier 1 (Entrepreneur), Tier 1 (Investor), plus those with ‘exceptional talent’ (ie sports stars and scientists). Only 1000 of these visas are available.

TIER 2 VISAThe Tier 2 (General) Visa is for workers with a job offer who are coming to the UK to fi ll a skills gap in a



TNTMAGAZINE.COM 11

will not need to carry out the resident labour market test.

TIER 4 STUDENT VISAThe Tier 4 (General) visa is for students who want to undertake their post-16 education in the UK.Students must be sponsored by their university or college. You must accrue 40 points – 30 for a confi rmation letter from an approved education provider, and 10 points for having money in your bank account.

This visa grants the student the right to enter the UK to complete a course at an approved institution, and to remain in the UK for the duration of the course and graduation. The student can also work part-time during term-time and full-time during vacations.

Anyone with this visa can switch to a Tier 1 visa and a Tier 2 visa from within the UK.

ANCESTRY VISAIf you have British-born grandparents and you hail from a Commonwealth country, you are entitled to an Ancestry Visa. This route allows you live and work in the UK without restrictions, as long as you can prove you intend to work. You must be aged 17 or over to apply for the visa, and, if your grandparent was born in Ireland, they will have had to be born before March 31, 1922. After fi ve years in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for Indefi nite Leave To Remain and then later UK Citizenship. Or you can just renew your Ancestry Visa.

Legwork: form fi lling is such a joy

Live and work in Ireland We don’t blame you if you’d like to experience the legendary craic of the Emerald Isle yourself. The Republic of Ireland has a similar working holiday system to the UK – although for just 12 months and with a few extra restrictions. Aussies, Kiwis, plus those from Argentina, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan and the Republic of Korea, aged 18 to 30, are eligible for the Republic of Ireland’s Working Holiday Authorisation (WHA) programme. However, the conditions are that participants can only work for three months with any one employer, you need to have enough dosh in your bank account to support yourself for the initial part of your stay, and once you’ve been granted the visa, you must land in Ireland within 12 months. If you are not eligible for a WHA, such as South African citizens, you’ll need an Irish work permit. See foreignaffairs.gov.ie.

PARTNERSHIP VISAIf you are married to a British citizen or have a long-term partner with a British passport or right of abode, you may be eligible for a UK visa. Your partner must have “settled status”, which discounts those on Tier 1 (highly skilled) and Tier 2 (work permit) visas. The procedure for gaining your visa will vary on whether, and for how long, you have been married or have held a civil partnership. ❚



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Don’t look back: you’ll have a blast

Once you’ve got your visa sorted, it’s time to start making the practical arrangements for a life abroad. You’re bound to get quite anxious about it, but get this phase of your travels knocked into shape, and not only will your arrival in the UK be smooth, you can start having fun much sooner.

FIND SOMEWHERE TO STAYIf you’re the fl y-by-the-seat-of-your-pants type, by all means hop off the plane in London and call into a hostel, or on an old mate’s doorstep and see how you fare. But it’s probably sensible to plan further in

advance. Book your fl ights, then fi nd somewhere to rest your head, at least for your fi rst week in the UK as hostels tend to get booked up well in advance, especially during summer. If you’re not averse to ‘dossing’, that is bunking down in a mate’s place temporarily, get in quick. You don’t want to turn up and fi nd the newly arrived pal of your friend’s housemate has snagged the couch.

CHECK YOUR WORK STATUSThe majority of new arrivals in the UK won’t need to jump through any more hoops to be able to get a job. However, workers in a select few industries (medical professionals, for example) will have to register with

Countdown beginsYou’re going to have at least two years of fun and adventure in the UK, but, before you go there’s work to get out the way. Let’s get down to the nitty gritty

TWO MONTHS TO GO



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regulatory bodies in the UK. Start looking into this now and make applications before you arrive, as registration in some areas can take up to four months to process. Turn to our careers section on P62 for essential advice.

SET UP A BANK ACCOUNTIt’s possible to open an account once you’re in the UK, but it can be a long and tedious process, requiring documentation that’s not always easy to source. For this reason, it’s also worth looking into this from home before you arrive. There’s more information on this on P28 and see tntmagazine.com.

TIDY YOUR TAXBefore leaving the country,

contact your tax offi ce and let them know your plans. You might need to fi le an early tax return if you’re leaving midway through a fi nancial year. As mundane as it can be to arrange your fi nancial affairs, it needs to be done – so get it sorted, don’t be lazy about

it! Your precise tax status will depend on various criteria – how long you intend to be away from home; whether you’ll be setting up a permanent residence elsewhere; whether you’ll be earning any income at home while you’re abroad; and whether you’ll maintain a home of some description in your home country (the Australian Taxation Offi ce calls this the “domicile test”).

Hardest part of moving to the UK?It’s expensive, and absorbing the costs using your NZ dollars can be painful. Also, moving about London takes time. Not having the freedom to jump in the car and drive anywhere took some getting used to.

Greatest misconception?I had no idea how amazing some of the landscape in the UK was. Highlights for me have been Mount Snowdon, Wales and the south coast of England.

Adivce for newcomers?Make sure you give it a good try. The UK is a challenge at fi rst, but you’ll quickly learn it’s a fantastic place.

SHAUN QUINCEYCAREER Sports sponsorshipAGE 27LIVES Clapham CommonFROM Auckland, New Zealand

YOUR STORIES

Ouch!: there’s no need for a jab spree Fly away: you are bound to see plenty of airports

WHAT ABOUT SCOTLAND?Hannah Membrey, 22, from Bunbury, Western Australia, has lived in Edinburgh since 2009.Best part: Not many people can boast having a castle at the end of their street!Favourite experience: Paricipating in traditional Scottish dances called ceilidhs; if you don’t walk away with an arm covered in bruises, you haven’t had a good night.Advice? Wrap up warm! It gets cold and very windy in Scotland, even in summer.

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Just pack the essentials


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Australians should see ato.gov.au for information; New Zealanders should visit ird.govt.nz; and South Africans sars.gov.za.

GET VACCINATEDAlthough you don’t need to go on a jab spree before travelling to the UK, there’s no harm in keeping your hepatitis A and B, tetanus and polio immunisations up-to-date. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation recommends travellers should be covered for diphtheria, measles, mumps and rubella. In a crowded city such as London, the fl u tends to spread pretty quickly, too, so it might also be worth looking into a jab for this. If you have plans to travel on to exotic climes at a later date, you’ll be able to get the relevant injections in the UK. However, if you’re heading to the UK via other countries, you’ll need to get jabbed at home. Allow six weeks as you’ll need to do a course of shots in some instances.

SOURCE MEDICAL RECORDSPack copies of any medical records or important prescription details when you travel, especially if you have an ongoing condition.

WRITE A CVMake sure you list your up-to-date career experience. And bring two glowing references with you from previous employers. It also doesn’t hurt if one of them is a character reference as well. These will help when looking for somewhere to live, opening a bank account, and of course, applying for a job.

POWER OF ATTORNEYBefore leaving home, appoint someone who is authorised to act

CHECK YOU ...........................................Have a valid passportAPPLY FOR .............................................A visaBOOK YOUR ........................................... Flight

TWO MONTHS TO GOFIND SOMEWHERE ..............................To stayCHECK YOUR .........................................Work statusSET UP ...................................................A UK bank accountTIDY UP .................................................Your tax affairs

SIX WEEKS TO GO ................................Get vaccinated

ONE MONTH TO GOSOURCE YOUR .......................................Medical recordsPUT TOGETHER ...................................A CV and referencesAPPOINT ...............................................A power of attorneyMAKE ....................................................A will

TWO WEEKS TO GOARRANGE YOUR ..................................Travel insuranceSTART TYING ........................................Up loose endsRETAIN YOUR .......................................Right to vote

ONE WEEK TO GOCLEAR UP ..............................................Your stuffREDIRECT YOUR ...................................Mail

THREE DAYS TO GO .............................Start packing!

ONE DAY TO GO ...................................Say your goodbyes

TNT’S MOVING ABROAD CHECKLIST

Refer to this as a handy guide once you’ve made the decision

ONE MONTH TO GO

SIX WEEKS TO GO

››



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on your behalf, should something happen that disables you from doing so. The legal term for this is “power of attorney”. This person can be anyone who you trust to act in your best interests. It’s usually quite an easy process, but it varies from country to country.

MAKE A WILLOK, a bit on the morbid side, but be realistic, you’re going out into the big, wide world and the dangers to your wellbeing will multiply. Do-it-yourself kits are available in Australia and New Zealand, and are suitable for most people without a large or complicated amount of possessions. These kits lead you through the process smoothly and should help you save on those expensive legal fees. However, if you’re unsure, contact a lawyer – the cost might not be so bad.

[Caption]

What made you come to the UK?I was bored at home and wanted to live overseas and travel. The UK was a good option as it’s easy to get a visa and Europe is on your doorstep.

What was the hardest thing about the move?Finding a sharehouse was soul destroying. It’s really competitive, the market moves quickly and the good places are pricey. After too many wasted weekends trekking across London to look at rooms, I found a great house through a friend.

What’s your favourite thing about living in the UK?I love feeling like a tourist. There is so much to see and do in London, you could never be bored. I also love the parks in autumn and the food markets (Whitecross Street, Broadway and Borough are top of my list).

What was your greatest misconception about London?That London is a huge city and you are anonymous. Actually I am constantly meeting people with mutual friends and I do bump into people I know on the street – it truly is a small world.

What have you been pleasantly surprised by?I found it easy to get a job, which took a lot of pressure off after I returned from my travels completely skint.

What advice would you give someone arriving here in 2012?Travel before you settle down. A lot of people do this and you end up having a network of friends in London who you meet travelling Europe. It’s really hard to save while in London, so do this before or after your trip. And the Heathrow Injection does exist! Get involved in some kind of group sport so you stay motivated over winter.

ELIZABETHLATHAMCAREER Business development administrationin a law fi rm AGE 23LIVES Putney, LondonFROM Perth, Australia

YOUR STORIESGET TRAVEL INSURANCE Don’t put this off – get it sorted before you leave home. That way, anything you lose from the moment you board the plane can potentially be replaced. Shop around for a comprehensive policy that covers everything from wallet theft to travel cancellations. There are many comparison websites that can help you fi nd a competitive price.

Once you start work in the UK or Ireland, you’ll be covered by their public healthcare system. However, you’ll still need health cover if you plan to travel from there.

TIE UP LOOSE ENDSIt could be an expensive journey if you’re still paying bills and account charges after you’ve left. Cancel the electricity, gas and phone, stop any club or gym

The sky’s the limit: a new life awaits

Money honey: earn some pounds

TWO WEEKS TO GO


Waiting for you: London’s iconic black cabs


TNTMAGAZINE.COM 17

memberships, take back your library books and DVD rentals, decide who will look after the cat and the dog ... generally, take care of all the loose ends in your life.

RETAIN VOTING RIGHTSAustralian citizens who have been abroad for less than three years are eligible to vote at the Australian High Commission in London, or by post. Although there won’t be another federal election until 2013. See aec.gov.au. It’s a similar story for Kiwis, who are eligible to vote in any general election so long as they are enrolled and have been in the country during the past three years. See elections.org. South Africans can also vote abroad. However, they will need to present their ID book when they get to the polling station. See atelections.org.za.

SORT OUT YOUR STUFFThis is about the time to decide what you’re going to take with you and what you’re going to leave behind. Hoarders, or owners of chunky belongings may need to book a storage unit, or fi nd friends with space to spare. Remember, you can’t take it with you, so ask yourself if you’re going to need it, or if you could leave it at home. If the answer is the former, this is a great time to get rid of stuff.

REDIRCT MAIL If there will be someone living or visiting your home while you’re gone, ask them to check your mail. It could be a missed bill, which means you’ll be in trouble. Australia Post and New Zealand Post can redirect your mail, but you’ll need to pay them and give

at least three days’ notice. See auspost.com.au and nzpost.co.nz.

START PACKINGTravel as light as possible, bearing in mind the weather on the other side; you’ll need a warm coat for winter. Check your luggage allowance with your airline before making tracks to the airport. Forgotten something? Don’t fret too much. You are more than likely going to be able to replace it in the UK. Just don’t forget your passport!

SAY YOUR GOODBYES!Hopefully your friends and family have given you a pretty decent send-off. So get ready to touch down in the UK, and for a new adventurous chapter in your life. Good luck! ❚

ONE WEEK TO GO

THREE DAYS TO GO

ONE DAY TO GO



TOUCHINGDOWNlike us on facebook/tntmagazine

TNTMAGAZINE.COM 19

Home sweet homeLooking to rent in London? From how to find a place and what the best areas are, to houseshares, one-bed flats, tenant rights and dealing with your landlord – we’ve got it all covered WORDS CLARE VOOGHT

Welcome to the UK, fresh off the plane with just a couple of suitcases. Now it’s time to start looking for a place. With a little bit of searching, you’ll fi nd what you’re looking for among central London’s many close-built fl ats,

or a little further out in a bigger house with a bit more space.

Don’t panic when you’re looking. It can be a bit scary, thanks to the highly competitive nature of the housing market – good places can go within ››

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hours – but someone’s got to get them. With a bit of searching, you’ll fi nd a new home away from home soon enough.

Hostel it

For most travellers arriving in London for the fi rst time, a hostel will be the fi rst port of call while they search for somewhere to live permanently.

It’s a great way to meet like-minded people (who may end up being your roommates) and also gives you a bit more time to get acquainted with the city.

London has seven YHA (yha.org.uk) hostels across London – two in the West End, and others in King’s Cross, Holland Park, Earl’s Court, the City and Canada Water. Another popular one with travellers is The Generator Hostel in King’s Cross.

It’ll cost around £15 per night for a shared dorm, but you can pay a little bit extra for a room with fewer people. Always make sure you ask for weekly rates if you’re staying for more than a couple of nights.

Dossing

Another good place to start when you arrive in a new country is where you know people, and chances are you know at least a couple of mates in London whose sofa you can crash on for a few days while you fi nd a place. But remember to clean up after yourself and contribute £5-£10 a week towards bills.

Home time

When you’ve got your head around the city layout and you’re ready to regain your privacy after dossing down in a hostel for a couple of weeks, make the leap and fi nd your own pad.

If you’re up for living on your own, a good, cheap option is a bedsit – a self-contained room

TOUCHINGDOWN follow us on @tntmagazine

TNTMAGAZINE.COM20

with a small kitchen-bedroom-living room in one and a shared bathroom. These start from around £85 per week in London. If you can’t face sharing a bathroom with strangers, opt for a slightly pricier (at least £100 per week) studio apartment, which will have a bathroom tacked on.

TNT Magazine and tntmagazine.com/accommodation are among the best places to look for somewhere to live. Also check out our handy online neighbourhood guides for ideas on where to settle.

House or fl at share

Houseshares are a great way of keeping costs down when you’re renting a place, and they’re a fun place to embark on your new life in a new city. You’ll fi nd loads around London on websites like gumtree.com or spareroom.co.uk,

Sharing a room with four other people was pretty cosy at times

and TNT’s website is also a great place to start.

Speed Flatmating is also a good way to meet new, like-minded people to move in with. With the same ethos as speed dating, events are organised by spareroom.co.uk.

If you’ve met some people travelling or you’ve arrived with mates from home and want to get a place together, hit up estate agents and rental websites like primelocation.com and rightmove.co.uk to fi nd a fl at or house.

Due to high demand, rents have gone up a lot in the last year in London so expect to pay from £100 per week for a double room.

Roomshare

But if you’re game for socks on the door handle and squabbles over space for a while, get a roomshare to save on dosh. You can get these for about £50 a week, though it ››

TD Accom in London .indd 20TD Accom in London .indd 20 2/2/12 11:44:542/2/12 11:44:54


might not be wise if you’re looking for a long-term option.

Bills

Sometimes rent includes bills such as water and council tax or you could be lucky enough to score rent that includes electricity and gas too. It’s best to fi nd out when you’re looking as bills take a big chunk of your monthly budget.Expect to pay about £60 for gas, electricity, internet and council tax.

Council tax varies depending on which borough and property you live in and could cost anything from £17-£100 a month. The cheapest boroughs are Wandsworth, Westminster, Newham, City of London and Southwark, which all charge an average of under £1,000 per year. Bills are when houseshares come in especially handy, as splitting them takes a lot of the strain off.

Where to live

When they move to London, antipodeans and South Africans usually settle in west London (in places such as Hammersmith, Fulham, Acton, Shepherd’s Bush), south London (Southfi elds, Clapham, Putney, Earlsfi eld) and north-west (Kilburn, Willesden, Dollis Hill and West Hampstead). But they’re also bridging the gap and moving further to the north and east, with more and more people heading to bohemian Camden and Angel or trendy east end spots like Shoreditch, Bethnal Green and Hackney.

Aussie, Kiwi and SA hotspots

SHEPHERD’S BUSHAussies and Kiwis are drawn to the affectionately nicknamed She Bu for the sharehouses and Walkabout bar. The main drag, Uxbridge Road, is full of houses and the huge Westfi eld London Shopping Centre is right round the corner. It’s also well connected to


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central London.RENT: One-bedroom fl at from about £250 per week; double room in a houseshare from £130 per week.TRANSPORT ZONE: 2

WEST KENSINGTONAlong with Earls Court, this is the original antipodean heartland. Prices have risen in the last few years, but you’ll still fi nd a fl at (usually in a nice converted Victorian terraced house) that won’t be too expensive. You’ll have to travel a bit for some nightlife, but it is one of the safest areas in London. RENT: One-bedroom fl at from around £200 per week; double room in a houseshare from £150.TRANSPORT ZONE: 2

ACTONHead this way for large houseshares and the popular Aussie bar, The Redback Tavern. Terraced houses are common around the high street and in south Acton you’ll fi nd plenty of cheaper apartments. RENT: One-bedroom fl at from around £200 per week; double room in a houseshare from £95.TRANSPORT ZONE: 2

FULHAMPricey but nice – it’s got lots of cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants and a real village atmosphere. There are a variety of housing options from fl ats above shops along Fulham Palace Road, Dawes Road and Fulham Road, to two-storey terraced houses in the roads off those.RENT: One-bedroom fl at from around £240 per week; double room in a houseshare from £160.TRANSPORT ZONE: 2

KILBURNPopular with working travellers, Kilburn has great transport links

ANTIPODEAN

An Australian or

Kiwi; originating from

the Antipodes, or the other side

of the globe.

SAFFA A South African person,

just with fewer syllables.

HIGH STREET OR ROAD

A suburb’s main street where you’ll

typically fi nd a supermarket or

convenience store, clothing chains,

a post offi ce, and an off-licence

selling booze.

COMMON A large park. London

has a lot, some with running tracks,

bandstands and lidos. Pale throngs

pack in on sunny days.

LIDO A public swimming pool.

Y’ALRIGHT/ALRIGHT? An informal

British greeting and not necessarily

a question. Reply with the same.

SNAKEBITE A pint of lager and

cider in equal parts with a splash

of blackcurrant cordial. Tipple of

choice for Antipodeans and Saffas

in London looking to get drunk fast.

LASHED Drunk.

CASHPOINT Otherwise known as

an ATM or “hole in the wall”.

LEARN THE LINGO Brush up on your UK slang before you arrive

Getting lashed on Snakebite

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and some vibrant, multicultural restaurants and cafes. Head to the north end for drinking holes and the south part for shops.RENT: One-bedroom fl at from around £200 per week; double room in a houseshare from £130.TRANSPORT ZONE: 2

WILLSESDEN GREEN & DOLLIS HILL Plenty of antipodeans and Saffas live in sharehouses, roomshares and fl ats in Willesden Green (or Willy G, to residents). Places range from scuzzy party houses to refurbished properties for professionals.RENT: One-bedroom fl at from around £200 per week; double room in a houseshare from £110.TRANSPORT ZONE: 3

CLAPHAMFull of Aussies and Kiwis, Clapham

has a huge common, a long high street and Britain’s busiest railway – it’s safe to say it’s a pretty big area. Thanks to this, it’s got a lot to offer in terms of shops and bars.RENT: One-bedroom fl at from around £160 per week; double room in a houseshare from £105.TRANSPORT ZONE: 2

SOUTHFIELDSThis clean and safe patch of south-west London is a favourite with South Africans. With decent transport links – as well as the Tube, it’s got bus routes to Clapham Junction, Putney Bridge, Tooting Broadway and Richmond – it’s also close to tennis mecca Wimbledon. You’ll fi nd plenty of spacious sharehouses and fl ats.RENT: One-bedroom fl at from around £210 per week; double room in a houseshare from £105.TRANSPORT ZONE: 3

Find yourself with an expat group or carve your own niche somewhere else – it’s your choice

RENTAL DEPOSITSA deposit is usually between one and two months’ rent, but there’s no set rule.

By law, your landlord must then pay your deposit into a government plan known as the Deposit Protection Scheme, which regulates claims to withhold some or all of it. Landlords must give details of the DPS within 14 days of receiving the deposit.

If you and your landlord disagree on a sum when it comes to returning the deposit, contact Shelter or the Citizens Advice Bureau for information.

Deposits should also be returned within 10 days of the end of your tenancy.

The landlord can take money from the deposit if the property or contents are damaged, or if rent hasn’t been paid.

VISIT DEPOSITPROTECTION.COM››


WEST HAMPSTEADIt’s pretty posh, with plenty of professionals living in its apartment complexes and fl ats in converted houses, but it’s a bit more down to earth than neighbouring Hampstead. And it’s also got a fairly big Aussie and Kiwi contingent living there. It’s a safe area and there’s a Tube, Thameslink and Silverlink Metro line. You’ll also fi nd the O2 shopping centre, with lots of shops and restaurants.RENT: One-bedroom fl at from around £210 per week; double room in a houseshare from £150.TRANSPORT ZONE: 2

EALINGAnother west London spot for antipodeans, with a few nice parks hosting plenty ofAussie and Kiwi sports events in the summer. There are also plenty of shops, pubs and


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restaurants to visit on evenings and weekends, alongside the Victorian townhouses turned into fl ats that are available for rent.RENT: One-bedroom fl at from around £130 per week; double room in a houseshare from £100.TRANSPORT ZONE: 3

Other recommended spots

SHOREDITCHNow London’s arty hub, hipsters and creative types fl ock to Shoreditch. It’s full of bars, clubs, galleries and places to eat and it’s a great place to be on weekends. It’s also pretty handy if you fi nd yourself working in the City. Transport links are great, with several Tube stops and lots of bus lines going into central London.RENT: One-bedroom fl at from around £230 per week; double room in a houseshare from £140.TRANSPORT ZONE: 1-2

Home sweet home

BETHNAL GREENA little bit further out, but still part of London’s ultra-hip East End, Bethnal Green is close to the chilled-out Victoria Park and has a host of cheap top-notch Bangladeshi eateries to enjoy. Flats in big blocks are what you’re most likely to fi nd here, but the area is still nice and leafy to make up for it.RENT: One-bedroom fl at from around £180 per week; double room in a houseshare from £130.TRANSPORT ZONE: 2

Cheap areas

CAMBERWELLSouth London’s artiest stop, with plenty of rooms in converted Edwardian and Victorian buildings. It’s got a young, creative vibe and independent pubs. Hang out at the South London Gallery for international art.



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RENT: One-bedroom fl at from around £120 per week; double room in a houseshare from £110.TRANSPORT ZONE: 2

ELEPHANT & CASTLEA residential spot that’s dirt cheap for zone one and compared to its surrounding areas. You’re a 15-minute walk from attractions including the Imperial War Museum and The Old Vic Theatre, and within easy commuting distance from the City and central London.RENT: One-bedroom fl at from around £195 per week; double room in a houseshare from £115.TRANSPORT ZONE: 1

WALTHAMSTOWRight at the top end of the Victoria line, it’s a residential area that has a good town-centre feel that makes you feel like you’ve escaped the city. It’s also got Europe’s longest outdoor street market and everything you need so you don’t have to venture into town on weekends if you don’t want to.RENT: One-bedroom fl at from around £100 per week; double room in a houseshare from £75.TRANSPORT ZONE: 3

EARLSFIELDAn often forgotten south-west London suburb, near Tooting, Battersea, Balham and Clapham, fi lled with boutiques and independent restaurants. The many Victorian terraced houses make good quality rental properties.RENT: One-bedroom fl at from around £215 per week; double room in a houseshare from £80.TRANSPORT ZONE: 3

NEW CROSSA super-cheap, skuzzy but arty south-east London area where Britpop legends Blur formed. Your money will go further in the arty Get acquainted with south London (aka “south of the river”)

››


bars and you’ll satisfy cravings for jerk chicken as there are plenty of tasty Caribbean eateries to choose from.RENT: One-bedroom fl at from around £170 per week; double room in a houseshare from £110.TRANSPORT ZONE: 2

POPLARClose to east London’s bars and markets without the hefty price tag. And you’re out of the city, in its quiet residential surroundings near the Thames. It’s also the place to go for a good, traditional London pie.RENT: One-bedroom fl at from around £200 per week; double room in a houseshare from £100.TRANSPORT ZONE: 2


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Signing the lease

Leases usually run for six or 12 months and landlords will ask for proof of employment and references from your bank or previous landlord. Always read the fi ne print when you sign your contract and make a copy of it in case you need to refer to it later. Make sure you sign an inventory, which lists the house’s contents and any damaged areas and may be useful if anything is deducted from your deposit.

Tenant rights

Tenants have the right for their accommodation to be kept in a reasonable state of repair, and there are certain things a landlord is responsible for. These include

Houseshares are a fun way to spend your time in London

basins, sinks, baths and toilets, water and gas pipes, electrical wiring, fi xed and water heaters, the structure and exterior or the premises, such as walls, fl oors and window frames, as well as drains, gutters and external pipes, major structural repairs and common parts of the building like stairwells, lifts and gardens. If an appliance the landlord has supplied – such as a washing machine or cooker – breaks, it’s the landlord’s responsibility to fi x it. That’s unless its failure was due to a tenant’s negligence.

If you need any advice on how to deal with any disagreements between you and your landlord, get in touch with Shelter housing charity (shelter.org.uk) for information.

SAFETYGas or electrical items your landlord has provided, including boilers, must be checked yearly. Ask your landlord for a copy of the Gas Safety record to check it’s all up to date. The landlord must also pay for any work to be carried out to make sure it’s safe. Fire resistant furniture has to be provided in furnished properties too.

WEAR AND TEARTenants aren’t responsible for this. According to the Citizens Advice Bureau, if wear and tear on a property is so bad it could cause injury, like if springs stick out from a sofa or there’s a hole in the fl oor, the landlord must sort it out.

ENTRYTenants are entitled to 24 hours’ notice if the landlord is coming to the property for inspection.

EVICTIONWhat should you do if your landlord tries to evict you before the tenancy agreement is up? If it comes to this, and in most cases it



TNTMAGAZINE.COM 27

won’t, then the landlord needs to have a court order. You have the right to stay in your home until the agreement ends unless there are valid reasons for eviction, which stand up in court, like unpaid rent or damage to the property.

Landlord rights

Just as tenants have their rights, it’s best to keep in mind that landlords also have rights – it’s a two-way thing.

RENT ENTITLEMENTIt may sound obvious, but landlords reserve the right to receive rent for their property. You could get charged rent up to the end of the notice period or tenancy agreement if you leave the property without proper notice. Landlords can take their tenants to court if they fail to pay rent to get them evicted, so not

paying rent to bargain with your landlord may not be a smart move.

TREATMENT OF PROPERTYTenants are obliged to take care of the property by doing small jobs such as unblocking drains and cleaning windows. These are usually mentioned in the tenancy agreement. If they make any damage to furniture or fi ttings, the landlord should be told so they can agree on a repair or replacement. The tenant’s deposit may be used to cover costs for damages, or in serious cases, the landlord may go to court to get them evicted.

RIGHT OF ENTRYLandlords are permitted “reasonable access” to the property for repairs and in an emergency they can enter immediately. With 24 hours’

notice, they are permitted to visit the property for inspection and other non urgent tasks or repairs. This should be outlined in your contract.

INSURANCEA landlord is responsible for the building insurance, but they aren’t responsible for tenants’ contents. Anyone renting a property in London should arrange their own insurance cover for their possessions. Confused.com is a good site to start comparing prices for cover on your contents.

BUSINESSTenants aren’t legally allowed to use rented accommodation for business purposes. If a tenant does so, landlords have the right to evict, so talk to your landlord fi rst if you’re thinking of doing something like this. ❚

If your oven breaks, it’s your landlord’s responsibility Cleaning rota: ending and causing arguments nationwide


Finding the right bank to use while your travelling and working in the UK should be your top priority after arriving, otherwise all your other admin will be diffi cult to set up. You can count on us for advice.

FIND A LOCAL BRANCHBanks can cautious about allowing foreigners to open bank accounts because of the risk of money laundering. So, while you might be offered an account, it will come without the bells and whistles, such as an overdraft allowance or credit card.

The best bet then for Australians and New Zealanders then is to open a bank account with HSBC (hsbc.co.uk) or ANZ (anz.com) before leaving home as


TNTMAGAZINE.COM28

both have branches in the UK. Otherwise, UK banks will normally ask for ID, proof of your current address, statements from your bank at home and money to activate the account.

Not all banks have an exhaustive list of demands though, so it’s worth asking around.

Travelex (travelex.co.uk) is a foreign currency business that can help you open a UK account with HSBC. Apply for Travelex Australia or Travelex New Zealand and then head to the Regent Street branch of HSBC in London to collect your card and pin number.

USE AN AGENTThere is plenty of help at hand if you’d just like someone to take care of business. Try 1st Contact (1stcontact.com) and South African company Overseas

Less tax, more beer: the hard work will be worth it

Stash your cashYou’ve places to go and people to meet, so maximise your time here by making sure your hard-earned goes far. Here’s what you need to know about banking

OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT

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TNTMAGAZINE.COM 29

Visitors Club (ovc.co.za), which can help you get the show on the road for a fee. They already have established ties with several major banks and can cut through all that annoying paperwork.

DO IT YOURSELFIf you don’t have a penny to spare, sort your fi nancial matters independently. Just bear in mind it’ll take some legwork.

Help yourself out by gathering as much documentation as possible, including proof of ID (passport, driving licence, birth certifi cate) and proof of your UK address (utility bill or a lease with your name on it).

Also consider bringing a letter from your bank at home as a record of your credit history, and a letter from your agency or employer in the UK.

CREDIT CARD & OVERDRAFTObtaining a credit card when you fi rst arrive in the UK will be diffi cult, so you’re best to bring one from home.

Securing an overdraft will be simpler, but interest rates are high, so if you’re prone to a blow-out, you could fi nd yourself quickly in debt – not least because banks charge penalty rates for exceeding your overdraft limit.

The less tax you have to pay, the better, right? It’ll take some research to work out how, but worth it in the long run.

TYPES OF TAXThe most common taxation status for Aussies, Kiwis and South Africans working in the UK is PAYE

TAX-FREE SAVINGS

An Individual Savings Account

(known as an ISA) is a special kind

of UK account allowing you to

earn interest, but pay no tax.

Each UK resident over the age

of 16 is allowed to invest a total

of £10,680 in the ISA scheme. Of

this amount, it’s possible to put

£5,340 into what’s called a cash

ISA and then the remainder into

stocks and shares. Shop around

if you want to open an ISA as

the interest rates vary widely.

CHECK IT OUT

or Pay As You Earn, where tax is deducted by your employer prior to you receiving your pay. PAYE tax is made up of income tax and National Insurance.

When you leave a job, you will be issued a P45, and you’ll get a P60 at the end of the tax year showing your earnings.

Put these documents in a safe place as you’ll need to show them if you wish to claim a tax refund.

Travellers wishing to maximise their after-tax earnings, especially

Surprise: you might eventually get something back from the tax man

TAXES & FEES

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contractors, should opt to set up a limited company (see P65).

COUNCIL TAXThis is a pesky tax levied by local authorities to pay for services such as waste collection, libraries, leisure facilities, recycling, police, fi re brigade and other community services. The rate is based on the value of the property you’re living in and can range from an average (based on ‘band D’) of £13 per month in Wandsworth to £34.36 in Richmond-Upon-Thames, a month.

You will need to register to pay the tax once you’ve settled into a fl at or house; there is only one bill per household.

TV LICENSING FEEThe authorities come down heavily on those who avoid paying for a TV licence. It’s the price you


TNTMAGAZINE.COM32

The value of the pound has depreciated over the past couple of years, so you’ll find the cost of eating and having a good time in London won’t break the bank as much as it used to. Check out the approximate prices below:

FoodA week’s groceries: £40-£50Pub lunch: £5-£12Restaurant meal: £20+McDonald’s meal: £4-£5AlcoholWine from the supermarket: £5A six-pack of lager from an off-licence: £5-£6A pint at the pub: £3.20EntertainmentGig tickets: £15-£50Movie tickets: £5-£15Museums and art galleries: mostly free TravelSingle bus journey: £2.20 or £1.30 on OysterZone 1-2 day Travelcard (peak): £8Zone 1-2 Travelcard weekly: £27.60Zone 1-3 Travelcard weekly: £32.20

Pesky paperwork: don’t let it get the better of you

pay for the luxury of not having your favourite BBC programmes interrupted by advertisements. The annual cost is £145.50 for fi ve channels; purchase it online at tvlicensing.co.uk. If the ‘Beeb’ isn’t doing it for you, you can purchase cable from Virgin Media, Sky, BT and other providers (but you’ll still need to buy a licence). They usually have deals for new customers – compare online at cable.co.uk.

NATIONAL INSURANCEEveryone who is employed or self-employed and aged over 16 pays national insurance, as long as your earnings are more than a certain level. The insurance covers state pensions, social security and health services.

It is a good idea to get an NI number as soon as you arrive as most employers will require it ››

COST OF CITY LIFE



TNTMAGAZINE.COM 33

before you can start work. It also makes it easier to access hospital services should you need them.

NI numbers are issued through the Department for Work and Pensions (dwp.gov.uk).

APPLY FOR AN NI NUMBER Once you arrive in the UK, aim to make an appointment as soon as possible to obtain a NI number.

Call 0845 600 0643 from 8am-6pm, Monday-Friday, to arrange a visit at your nearest JobCentre. Take your passport, a letter confi rming you are employed or registered with a recruitment agency, and two or three other forms of ID. Once you’ve been successfully interviewed, expect to receive your NI number in the post within eight weeks.

Alternatively, if you’ve already started working, your employer may be able to apply for you.

CLAIM BACK NI PAYMENTSIt’s recommended once you have an NI number, you look into contracting out of the state pension in order to receive a rebate when you return home.

NI contributions are allocated to the State Second Pension, which is a government-administered fund that foots the bill when you retire.

If you contract out of this scheme before the end of the tax year, you can direct your funds to your own personal pension fund, which will be set up as part of the NI rebate process.

PENSIONSWith all the NI contributions you’ve made, you may as well try to get something back.

You can transfer your payments into a pension fund of your choice back in your home country. Your employer in the UK may also offer

a suitable pension scheme, so it is worth making some inquiries.

See pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk for more pension advice. ❚

Bank on it: do some research on your banking options

Get your NI card asap


Finding your feet

It may seem daunting at fi rst, but you’ll soon get to grips with London’s network of buses and trains – and you’ll be complaining about it like every other Londoner in no time.

The Tube’s your best bet when you fi rst arrive, as it’s the quickest and easiest way to get around the city. North London is best served by the Underground, but you can get around the parts of the south the tube doesn’t cover pretty easily too on buses and rail services. We’ve outlined the basics, but it’s also worth checking out Transport For London’s website tfl .gov.uk for maps, ticket prices and a handy journey planner.

Tickets and zones

London’s transport services are divided into six zones, and the price of your ticket depends which zones

From A to BLondon’s transport network may be complilcated, but it’ll take you where you need to be. Get your map out, it’s time to find your feet WORDS CLARE VOOGHT


TNTMAGAZINE.COM34

you’re travelling through. Zone 1 covers central London and zones 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 continue in rings going away from the centre.

Make sure you get yourself an Oyster card as soon as you arrive – it’s much cheaper than buying tickets as you go. The electronic smart-card can be topped up and used on the Underground, Overground, bus network and Thames river boats. You can buy one at Tube stations, convenience stores or online at tfl .gov.uk.

You need to pay a £5 deposit when you fi rst get your Oyster, but this is refundable when it is returned. Then add some cash to get started, which will be deducted every time you swipe it for a journey.

Top up via Tube station ticket booths, self-service machines, or online. Or you can set your Oyster to be topped up automatically from your bank account whenever it falls below a certain balance.

Navigating London’s bus system can seem scary, but you’ll get used to it in no time

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Zone 1 journeys on the Tube cost £2 with an Oyster but it costs a hefty £4.30 per journey when you pay with cash on the day. And to take the bus, it’s £1.35 a pop with your Oyster, but £2.30 in cash.

If you take several journeys in one day on your Oyster, your spending will be capped at the cost of a day Travelcard, so you’ll never be paying more than you would if you’d bought a normal ticket.

Travelcards, or season tickets, are also a good, cheap way to travel, especially if you’re commuting, as they allow you unlimited Tube, bus and train travel in designated zones.

For zones 1-2, a day Travelcard is £8.40 to travel anytime and £7 off peak. Or it’s £29.20 for a week, £112.20 a month and £1,168 a year. See tfl .gov.uk/oyster for more information.

The Tube

With 11 lines, plus DLR and Overground lines, 260 stations and has 402km of track, the Tube is a vast system. The oldest subway in the world, London’s Metropolitan line was the fi rst to be built in 1863. So now it isn’t in fantastic nick (there’s no air conditioning), but it works alright and it’s how most Londoners get to work.

Affectionately called “the Tube” (or “the fucking bastard Tube” when it’s down), it runs from around 5.30am until just after midnight. It gets pretty crowded at peak times, so if you can avoid it then, do.

Because the Olympics are coming up this summer, engineering works causing lines to shut are common, especially during the weekend. The Underground is set to be crammed when the games arrive in London, so take alternative transport, walk or cycle from July 27 to August 12 if you can. Always check the TfL website ahead of time to fi nd out line closures.

Travel by bus

The London bus system is a labyrinth, which still baffl es locals at times, but it’s worth mastering. As buses are cheaper, opting to travel by double decker instead of the Tube is a good way to save your cash. It also covers the areas of London not covered by the Tube, and there are plenty of night buses running when the Underground is shut. Maps and travel information are available via TfL.

Rail services

Some parts of London are better reached by rail, like Hackney, Battersea, Peckham, Denmark Hill and a host of other spots. The newest addition is the handy East

London Line, connecting New Cross, Crystal Palace and West Croydon with Dalston Junction and then onto Highbury and Islington. For up-to-date information on London’s rail services, see the TfL website or nationalrail.co.uk.

Taxis and minicabs

London cabbies are some of the best in the world – they know the

streets of the city like the backs of their hands. Yellow lights mean black cabs are available for hire, so fl ag those ones down.

You’ll pay a lot for cabs in London, but they are handy at the end of a night out.

Minicabs are usually a bit cheaper than taxis, and fi rms are all over the city, but they can’t be fl agged, so call ahead. It’s good to ask for the price of your trip fi rst, because they don’t all have fare metres.

Never risk using an unlicensed minicab, no matter how badly you want to get home, because they’re notoriously dangerous.

To get numbers of reputable taxi fi rms near you, text “CAB” to 60835.

Get around your new city

DID YOU KNOW?A Tube train travels on average 76,800 miles, or 123,600 kilometres, a year.

Swipe this to save on travel

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Shopping around is the golden rule when it comes to looking for a phone or internet contract to help you communicate with people at home. There are so many deals out there, so don’t commit until you’re 100 per cent happy.

Landlines

Antipodeans are lucky to fi nd providers that offer free calls to landlines back in Australia and New Zealand, such as SkyTalk with its Unlimited package and BT’s International Freedom bolt-on, both £5 a month. Don’t take up a contract unless you get a deal like this, which you can usually get when you sign up to a monthly contract with a provider for around £8-£15.

Unfortunately, we haven’t heard of a South

Stay in touchNow you’re living miles away, your family might appreciate a phonecall now and then. Here’s how to get the best deals on communicating WORDS CLARE VOOGHT


TNTMAGAZINE.COM36

African equivalent deal, but calls to SA landlines can be made from 2p a minute depending on your provider.

If you’re not worried about calling home, there are lots of phone packages that offer deals on inclusive calls. But check for connection charges before you sign up, as any monthly savings can be cancelled out by up-front fees.

Mobile phones

You’ll need one of these as soon as you get off the plane. Either get your phone from home unlocked here and use a British SIM card once you’ve set up a contract or on pay as you go.

Or if you want to get a new one, the prices of smartphones (iPhone, Blackberry or Android) have gone down a lot recently. Most providers offer a

Don’t lose contact with people at home who matter the most

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subsidised handset if you sign up to a contract – you can get a smartphone for as little as £10 a month, usually on an 18- or 24-month contract. These have the added perks of a camera, music and internet with them, and they’ve also got GPS so you can fi nd your way when you’re lost in London.

If you use your phone a lot, it might be cheaper to get a contract, but if you don’t use it much then pay as you go may be the best option for you. When picking a service provider, the best advice is to do as much research as you can over whether you want to get a contract or go pre-paid. If you’re prepared to hunt and haggle, there are some great deals out there. Also bear in mind that some phone shop staff might be paid commission for selling certain brands or models.

Phone cards

You can get these handy gems from newsagents and websites. They’ll give you generously discounted calls to foreign countries – some let you call Australia for just 1.5p per minute.

Use them on any phone, but watch for additional charges if using a mobile. Also be careful to look for extra costs if you use the cards at particular times of day. Aside from that, they’re usually as good a saving as they seem.

Internet

Always shop around before you commit to a contract with an internet provider too. An important thing to look for if you’re renting in a shared house is unlimited usage – it’s worth paying that little bit extra for it to avoid getting slapped with a massive bill if too many downloads are made by multiple users. Always check the fi ne print. Also, always make

PAY AS YOU GOPROS: You won’t have to pay a monthly fee and won’t be on a contract. Phone credit is easy to buy and can also be hooked up to your bankcard.

CONS: Calls and texts usually cost more and you have to pay the full price for a smartphone on PAYG deals.

IDEAL FOR: Anyone who mostly texts or plans to use the phone just for social calls in the evenings and at weekends.

PAY MONTHLYPROS: You get a lot more for your money and you never run out of credit. Providers often offer cheaper international calls and you don’t usually have to fork out a lot initially to get a smartphone.

CONS: Fees are monthly and you’ll be locked into a contract for 12-24

months. If you lose the phone and don’t have insurance you won’t get the money back.

IDEAL FOR: Anyone who uses their phone a lot, especially for work as you’ll need the bills to claim expenses.

WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

sure you fi nd out about connection fees, modem and router costs before signing up to make sure you’re paying the least possible overall.

Like with phones, there are some brilliant deals to be found. Some come with a landline and Sky or Cable TV – which might be

handy now winter’s approaching. Virgin and Sky do competitive bundle packages like these, which are well worth checking out.

Or if you’d rather your home was an internet free zone, there are plenty of internet cafes to be used on every high street. Usage costs from around 50p an hour.

Smartphone or old school... decisions, decisions

Contracts are often cheaper

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THE hectic lifestyle and non-stop partying you’re likely to get into when you arrive in London means it pays to make the effort and stay healthy. There’s something going on 24/7 so you’ll want to keep up. If you do get sick, here’s where to go and what to do to get you back in the game as quickly as possible.

Emergency numbers

Make sure you know what number to call in an emergency – in Britain, it’s 999. Most hospitals in the UK have 24-hour accident and emergency (A&E) departments, where you can get treated without an appointment. You’ll have to wait though.

Doctor Doctor

Get to a doctor as soon as you can, because

Avoid sick notesLife in London comes at a frantic pace, so do all you can to stop getting ill. However, if you are feeling worse for wear, here’s our guide on what to doWORDS CLARE VOOGHT


TNTMAGAZINE.COM38

you’ll need to be registered before you can get an appointment. To fi nd a surgery in your area, contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647, or visit nhsdirect.nhs.uk. Make an appointment with one that’s got space for new patients. If you’re caught short and need a doctor quickly, you can also visit a walk-in centre without an appointment. You’ll have to wait but don’t need to be registered. They can be found across London. Search on nhs.uk for walk-in centre locations.

Prescriptions

If your doctor prescribes you some meds, they cost a standard rate of £7.40 per script. And if you know you’re going to be on regular medication, it’s worth getting yourself a prescription prepayment certifi cate (PPC), which caps how much you’re spending. A PPC

Don’t call 999! It’s just man fl u

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for three months costs £29.10 and for 12 months it’s £104.

Sexual health

If you get a prescription from your doctor for contraception, it’s entirely free. As is the morning- after pill if you get it prescribed or visit A&E or a sexual health centre. Or you can buy it over the counter from pharmacies from about £25.Women over 25 who are sexually active are recommended to have a smear test every three years, which is also free. These are usually carried out by a nurse.If you want a sexual health test, visit a sexual health clinic – fi nd your nearest one at nhs.uk.

The perfect smile

So now you know how to deal with anything that’s up with your body, make sure you’ve got your teeth covered. Some dentists are registered with the National Health Service, but these aren’t free; you’ll still need to pay a fraction of your treatment costs.

Waiting lists are notoriously long, but you can fi nd NHS dentists in your area by calling NHS Direct or visiting their website. If waiting lists are long, there are plenty of private dentists around, but they can be pricey. If you’re brave, you can get yourself an appointment at a dental school for free. The students are supervised by qualifi ed dentists and this is available nationwide, offered by hospitals such as Guy’s in Southwark, London.

Hospital treatment

The UK’s network of hospitals is extensive, and free treatment on

BE NICEGood manners help you get the best health service. At the doctor’s surgery, remember you’re not the only sick person there. It can take a while to see a GP, but it’s not the receptionist’s fault, so don’t take it out on them. A polite manner and friendly smile might get you seen by the duty doctor if you’re feeling really ill.

the NHS is available to anyone living in the country – so being injured shouldn’t ruin you. This extends to all treatment you receive, from X-rays and tests to surgery. You also won’t be surprised with an ambulance bill if you have to call one out in an emergency – they’re also free on the NHS.

Private healthcare

Some employers offer their staff private health and dental care as a perk. Otherwise, they may give you access to subsidised health benefi ts, which can take the form of a private health policy. Alternatively, you can buy regular medical insurance through a variety of providers that’ll cover you for quick private treatment at varying degrees of cover. Your employer may also subsidise a health cash plan, or you can join one independently for medical, dental and optical care. These let you reclaim part of the costs of treatment.

[Caption]

An ambulance; left NHS treatment is free to those living in the UK

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tntMagazine.coM40

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LONDON 2012 ACCOMMODATIONOur experienced and knowledgeable team are working with Sports Associations and Tourist Visitors to offer solutions and hospitality in London. A range of hotels to suit every budget from hostels to mid range to 5 star. Private homes are available for those looking for a cost effective solution for the whole family.

Email: [email protected] Telephone: +44 (0)7714 707286

5* Star Hotels

Family Homes Value Hotels

Cottages

LONDON OLYMPICS


TNTMAGAZINE.COM 41

The Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games will take place on July 27 2012, and will mark the beginning of the XXX Olympiad. It will also mark the beginning of crowded streets, stuffy Tube rides and over-priced souvenirs of the rather strange Olympic mascots Wenlock and Mandeville (above). Expect the Queen to be greeted at the entrance of the Olympic Stadium by President of the International Olympic Committee and the Chair of the Organising Committee – hopefully they don’t forget to bow!

Here’s our complete list of London 2012 Olympic venues hosting the Games next year:

Aquatics Centre

WHERE: Olympic Park, Stratford, east London.WHAT: Diving, swimming, synchronised swimming,

The world watchesDuring the Olympics, London will become the centre of the universe for about six weeks. Make sure you’re in town as it promises to be one hell of a party WORDS KELSEY CLARK

Paralympic swimming, modern pentathlon.ABOUT: This new, permanent structure features a wave-like roof longer than Heathrow Terminal 5. It has a bridge over the top where two thirds of the spectators are expected to clamber into the Olympic Park. Just make sure you don’t take a topple – your dive will look childish in comparison to the athletes.WHEN: Diving, Jul 29-Aug 11; swimming, Jul 28-Aug 4; synchronised swimming, Aug 5-10; modern pentathlon, Aug 11-12; Paralympic swimming, Aug 30-Sep 8.

Basketball Arena

WHERE: Olympic Park, Stratford, east London.WHAT: Basketball, wheelchair basketball and rugby, handball. ››

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WHERE: This arena is one of the largest temporary Olympic venues ever built. Workers will need to transform it quickly, removing basketball equipment and installing handball goals to accommodate the variety of events during the Games.WHEN: Basketball, Jul 28-Aug 12; wheelchair basketball, Aug 30-Sep 8; wheelchair rugby, Sep 5-9; handball, Jul 28-Aug 12.

BMX Track

WHERE: Olympic Park, Stratford, east London.WHAT: BMX cycling.ABOUT: This new 400m track will be reconfi gured after the Games for community use as a part of the new VeloPark.WHEN: Aug 8-10.

Brands Hatch

WHERE: Kent.WHAT: Paralympic road cycling.ABOUT: Brands Hatch is an internationally renowned motor racing circuit that has hosted the British Grand Prix with great success for two decades. WHEN: Sep 5-8.

City of Coventry Stadium

WHERE: Coventry, Midlands.WHAT: Football.ABOUT: Usually home to the Coventry City football club, the stadium will be a London 2012 Live Site venue, with a large screen installed at the city centre screening live events.WHEN: Jul 25-Aug 11.

Earls Court

WHERE: Earls Court, west London.WHAT: Volleyball.ABOUT: An existing exhibition centre fi rst opened in 1937.WHEN: Jul 28-Aug 12.

Eton Dorney

WHERE: London.WHAT: Rowing, paralympic rowing, canoe sprint.ABOUT: Dorney Lake features a 2,200m, eight-lane rowing course built to international standards. This will be the fi rst year the canoe sprint event is featured in the Olympic Games.WHEN: Rowing, Jul 28-Aug 4; Paralympic rowing, canoe sprint, Aug 6-11; Paralympic rowing, Aug 31-Sep 2.

LONDON LIVE SITES

If you’ve missed the boat to

score tickets to any of the events,

watching the Games at one the

capital’s special Oympic zones is

the next-best thing.

HYDE PARK Chill out on the grass

and watch the action of six screens,

including a 144m2 whopper.

VICTORIA PARK It’s right near the

Olympic Stadium, so go on the

observation wheel for a great view.

TRAFALGAR SQUARE Try different

sports at the open-air headquarters

for the Paralympics.

londonlive.uk.com

CHECK IT OUT

Eton Manor

WHERE: Olympic Park, Stratford, east London.WHAT: Wheelchair tennis.ABOUT: A new sporting facility now stands on the site of the old Eton Manor Sports Club, unused since 2001. The versatile venue will have temporary training pools during the Olympics, and will host wheelchair tennis during the Paralympic Games. Wheelchair

BMX bandits will race at Stratford

LONDON OLYMPICS


Hadleigh Farm

WHERE: Essex.WHAT: Mountain biking.ABOUT: The farm is owned by the Salvation Army and contains hilly open grass land with spectator viewing areas. A temporary course has been constructed against the backdrop of Hadleigh Castle.WHEN: Aug 11-12.

Hampden Park

WHERE: Near Glasgow, ScotlandWHAT: Football.ABOUT: Men’s and women’s competitions will take place here.WHEN: Jul 25-Aug 11.

Hampton Court Palace

WHERE: Richmond, London.WHAT: Road cycling time trial.ABOUT: A stunning royal palace, once home to King Henry VIII. These are free events. WHEN: Jul 28-Aug 1.


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tennis has the same rules as able-bodied tennis, with the exception that the wheelchair tennis player is allowed two bounces of the ball.WHEN: Sep 1-8.

ExCel

WHERE: East London.WHAT: Boxing, fencing, judo, table tennis, taekwondo, weightlifting, wrestling, boccia, paralymic table tennis, paralympic judo, paralympic powerlifting, sitting volleyball, wheelchair fencing.ABOUT: One of Europe’s largest exhibition spaces down by London’s famous docks.WHEN: Jul 28-Aug 12; fencing, Jul 28-Aug 5; judo, Jul 28-Aug 3; table tennis, Jul 28-Aug 8; taekwondo, August 8-11; weightlifting, Jul 28-Aug 7; wrestling, Aug 5-12; boccia, Sep 2-8; Paralympic table tennis, Aug 30-Sep 8; Paralympic judo,

Aug 30-Sep 1; Paralympic powerlifting, Aug 30-Sep 5; sitting volleyball, Aug 30-Sep 8; wheelchair fencing, Sep 4-8.

Greenwich Park

WHERE: South-east London.WHAT: Equestrian events – jumping, dressage and eventing, paralympic equestrian, modern pentathalon.ABOUT: Greenwich Park is London’s oldest Royal Park and a World Heritage site, dating back to 1433. More than 200 athletes will compete for six gold medals in the equestrian sports, the only Olympic sport in which men and women compete against each other on equal terms.WHEN: Jumping, Aug 4-8; dressage, Aug 2-9; eventing, Jul 28-31; Aug 11-12, modern pentathlon, Paralympic equestrian, Aug 30-Sep 4.

No pulling punches at the ExCel Centre

LONDON OLYMPICS

››


Handball Arena

WHERE: Olympic Park, Stratford, east London.WHAT: Handball, goalball, modern pentathlon.ABOUT: The modern pentathlon – quite a quirky event – consists of fencing, swimming, riding and combined run-shoot event.WHEN: Handball, Jul 28-Aug 12; goalball, Aug 30-Sep 7; modern pentathlon, Aug 11-12.

Hockey Centre

WHERE: Olympic Park, London.WHAT: Hockey, paralympic fi ve-a-side-football, paralympic seven-a-side football.ABOUT: This temporary structure will be relocated after the Games to the north of the park as a part of the Eton Manor sports facilities.WHEN: Hockey, Jul 29-Aug 11; Paralympic fi ve-a-side, Aug 31-Sep 8; Paralympic seven-a-side, Sep1-9.

Horse Guards Parade

WHERE: At the heart of Whitehall, close to Downing Street and Buckingham PalaceWHAT: Beach volleyball.ABOUT: The parade ground dates from 1745 and hosts a ceremony on the Queen’s offi cial birthday each year. Sand will be brought in to create a temporary beach. WHEN: Jul 28-Aug 9.

Hyde Park

WHERE: London’s West EndWhat: Triathlon, marathon swimming.ABOUT: Open to the public since 1637, the park is expected to be home to music, theatre, fi lm and cultural events in the summer. A temporary grandstand and course will be constructed for the Games.WHEN: Triathlon Aug 4-7; marathon swimming, Aug 10.

Lee Valley White Water Centre

WHERE: Hertfordshire, 30 km


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north of the Olympic Park.WHAT: Canoe slalom.ABOUT: A new course with two canoe slaloms was constructed for the Games. A 10,000m² lake is also being constructed, complete with pumps to create white water and obstacles in the course.WHEN: Jul 29-Aug 2.

Lord’s Cricket Ground

WHERE: Near Regent’s Park in north-west London.WHAT: Archery.ABOUT: Normally home to the Middlesex County Cricket Club. WHEN: Jul 27-Aug 3.

The Mall

WHERE: From Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square, London.WHAT: Athletics (marathon and race walk), Paralympic athletics (marathon) and road cycling.ABOUT: Usually the backdrop to

The Lee Valley course will host canoe events

major sporting events such as the London Marathon, the smaller Olympic and Paralympic marathons seem small potatoes with just 80 athletes in each race.WHEN: Athletics, Aug 3-12; road cycling, Jul 28-Aug 1; Paralympic athletics, Aug 31-Sep 9.

Millennium Stadium

WHERE: Cardiff, Wales.WHAT: Football.ABOUT: The stadium has already played host to many top sporting events including a Rugby World Cup fi nal. WHEN: Jul 25-Aug 11.

North Greenwich Arena

WHERE: Across the Thames from the Olympic Park.WHAT: Artistic gymnastics, trampoline, basketball, wheelchair basketball.ABOUT: Originally built for the

LONDON OLYMPICS



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millennium celebrations, the arena has been transformed into a sports and entertainment arena. WHEN: Artistic gymnastics, Jul 28-Aug 7; trampoline, Aug 3-4; basketball, Jul 28-Aug 12; wheelchair basketball, Aug 30-Sep 8.

Old Trafford

WHERE: Near Manchester, north-west England.WHAT: Football – two events.ABOUT: Home to Manchester United Football Club, the venue was expanded to 76,000 making it the second-largest football ground in the UK. WHEN: Jul 25-Aug 11.

Olympic Stadium

WHERE: Olympic Park, Stratford.WHAT: The stadium will host 208 events, athletics and paralympic

athletics as well as the opening and closing ceremonies.ABOUT: The new permanent structure is its own modern-day fortress, surrounded on three sides by water. Fans and spectators

will enter the stadium via fi ve bridges. Some 80,000 people can fi t into the stadium. After the Games, it will continue to hold sporting and cultural community events.WHEN: Athletics, Aug

3-12; Paralympic athletics Aug 31-Sep 9.

Olympic Village

WHERE: Olympic Park, Stratford.WHAT: Home for athletes and offi cials during the Games.ABOUT: The village will comprise

The Olympic Stadium will be the focal point of the Games

residential apartments for some 17,000 athletes and offi cials. After the Olympics, the village will provide essential new housing for east London with 2,800 homes.

The Royal Artillery Barracks

WHERE: South-east London.WHAT: Shooting, paralympic shooting, paralympic archery.ABOUT: The venue is part of the port of Woolwich, with a military history beginning with the barracks’ construction in 1776. WHEN: Shooting, Jul 28-Aug 6; paralympic shooting, Aug 30-Sep 6; paralympic archery, Aug 30-Sep 5.

St James’ Park

WHERE: Newcaste-upon-Tyne, north-east England.WHAT: Football.ABOUT: Newcastle United have given up their stadium for the quarter-fi nals of the men’s and women’s competitions.WHEN: Jul 25-Aug 11.

To keep up-to-date with the Olympics, check in at these useful websites:

The official site of the Olympics: olympic.org

The latest on the London Games: london2012.com

Coverage from the BBC: bbc.co.uk/2012

An exhaustive Olympics forum:the2012londonolympics.com

LONDON OLYMPICS

››


Weymouth and Portland

WHERE: Dorset.WHAT: Sailing, paralympic sailing.ABOUT: The harbour was the fi rst 2012 Games venue to be fi nished. Despite the early completion date, there will be no seating for spectators – standing or sitting on the ground will be the only option for sailing enthusiast crowds.WHEN: Sailing, Jul 29-Aug 11; Paralympic sailing, Sep 1-6.

Wimbledon

WHERE: South-west London.WHAT: Tennis.ABOUT: Wimbledon has been home to the world-famous self-named tennis tournament since 1877. It is the only major grass-court tennis venue in the world and will once again host the world’s biggest names. WHEN: Jul 28-Aug 5. ❚


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Velodrome

WHERE: Olympic Park, Stratford.WHAT: Track cycling, paralympic track cycling.ABOUT: The Velodrome is the most sustainable venue in the Olympic Park in design and construction. There’s no air-con inside, as a 100 per cent natural ventilation system was installed. With room for 6,000 spectators.WHEN: Track cycling, Aug 2-7; Paralympic track cycling, Aug 30-Sep 2.

Water Polo Arena

WHERE: Olympic Park, alongside the Aquatics Centre, Stratford.WHAT: Water polo.ABOUT: The arena contains a warm-up pool as well as the competition pool and will be deconstructed after the games.WHEN: Jul 29-Aug 12.

Wembley Arena

WHERE: North-west LondonWHAT: Badminton, rhythmic gymnastics.ABOUT: About 6,000 spectators are expected to enjoy the thrilling, nail-biting, action-packed events of badminton and rhythmic gymnastics. Ribbon twirling has never been so intense.WHEN: Badminton, Jul 28-Aug 5; rhythmic gymnastics, Aug 9-12.

Wembley Stadium

WHERE: North-west London.WHAT: Football.ABOUT: Each seat in the new stadium has a guaranteed unrestricted view of the pitch. Wembley is the biggest of the six Olympic stadiums, and will host the gold medal events in men’s and women’s football.WHEN: Jul 25-Aug 11.

The water polo will be out at Stratford

LONDON OLYMPICS



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The after partyNot only is London the sporting destination for 2012, but there is some top entertainment planned as well. Here’s our guide to the cream of the crop

LONDON OLYMPICS

London 2012 Festival, the culmination of the capital’s Cultural Olympiad, will bring thousands of events and attractions, ensuring there’s plenty for you to do if you feel you’ve overdone the sport. It runs from June 21 to Sep 9 – ticket prices vary and are sold individually according to the events. See festival.london2012.com for full programme

if London becomes too much. Closer to home, check out West End Live (westendlive.co.uk) in Trafalgar Square on the weekend of June 23-24 for highlights from London’s best musicals.

ARTLondon’s galleries will be going all-out – there will be a major Damien Hirst (above) exhibition at the Tate Modern (tate.org.uk/modern), as well as a new show from Tracey Emin in her home town of Margate. At the same time, Yoko Ono will be the subject of a major exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery (serpentinegallery.org) in the middle of Hyde Park.

MUSICDamon Albarn, Leona Lewis (below) and Rufus Wainwright will be among the acts taking centre-stage in the evenings, hoping to produce a different kind of gold-medal performance. Albarn, the former Blur front-man and the brains behind Gorillaz, will be presenting his opera, Dr Dee (doctorjohndee.tumblr.com), which tells the story of Queen Elizabeth I’s most brilliant adviser, at the London Coliseum.

OUTDOORSThere will be crazy carnivals and outdoor events all over the UK, so if you fancy getting out of London during the Games, there’s plenty on offer. You could, for example, make the trip up to Stonehenge (see P109), to coincide with the Salisbury Arts Festival (salisburyfestival.co.uk). It’s an incredible atmosphere and the sight of the standing stones, lit only by fi relight (right) is truly memorable.

THEATREIf the rhythmic gymnastics aren’t enough to sate your appetite for culture, you can always take in a performance at the World Shakespeare Festival (worldshakespearefestival.org.uk), which has attracted productions from all over the world, including China, Iraq and Brazil, and runs until September. It could be a good excuse for a road-trip




TNTMAGAZINE.COM 49

London Eye

Unveiled in 2000 as part of London’s millennium celebrations, The London Eye stands on the banks of the Thames by the historic Waterloo Station. The largest ‘ferris wheel’ in Europe, it offers panoramic views over this global city that are, quite simply, breathtaking. Wrapped up in a capsule that offers a 360-degree vantage point, you can truly appreciate this iconic city’s breadth, scale and beauty. To the south is the soon-to-be finished The Shard, northwards the extension of the city past The Mall, St Paul’s and beyond, and just over the river there’s the Houses of Parliament. Each ‘flight’ takes 45 minutes, book for dusk and watch as the city lights up before your very eyes.

londoneye.com

Being a touristOnce you’ve landed, don’t waste any time getting out and seeing what this wondrously vibrant, diverse, history-drenched city has to offer WORDS ALASDAIR MORTON

The Thames

The Thames is the birthplace of London. Jump on a boat tour and take in the scenery and a host of history-drenched landmarks from a vantage point of leisure, from the city centre out to Richmond in the leafy ‘burbs. Or opt for the Thames cycle path instead from Putney to Henry VIII’s stomping ground of Hampton Court – not only does it offer some of London’s finest walking and cycling trails, but there’s plenty of pubs too to stop at to quench your thirst.

tfl.gov.uk and walklondon.org.uk West End Show

With unrivalled breadth and depth on offer, the West End is the one true rival to Broadway. Whether it be a musical or a comedy, a traditional classic or a

Capitalising on the capital: make sure you see all the top attractions

››

UK & Ireland Guide 2012 Being A 49 49UK & Ireland Guide 2012 Being A 49 49 2/2/12 12:00:212/2/12 12:00:21


TNTMAGAZINE.COM50

HONOURABLE MENTIONSThe House of Commons makes for a fascinating delve into British traditions, the public gallery an eye-opening experience. Harvey Nichols and Regent Street’s Liberty take shopping experiences to the next level. Hampstead is the hang out of London’s rich and famous, and the soon-to-be completed cable car over the Thames is a smash tourist success in waiting.

contemporary upstart, there is no end to your choice. With Chinatown on hand to offer an equally diverse platter of delights for a pre-show dine, and the trendy hipster bars of nearby Soho providing the perfect watering hole for post-show discussions, the West End is a must-visit London locale. Book discounted tix at

tntmagazine.eolts.co.uk

South Bank

Doused in London’s artistic and creative juices, the South Bank pulls together shopping, eating and cultural activities into a popular venue of some repute. Visit Shakespeare’s Globe, take a tour underground in the Old Vic Tunnels beneath Waterloo station, take to the water with the London Duck Tours on an aquatic-vehicle used in the D-Day landings, indulge your artistic side at the Tate Modern or just soak up all the art, film and music that the Southbank Centre – the largest single-run arts centre in the world – has to offer.

southbankcentre.co.uk

British Museum

Sheathed in a neck-straining glass canopy, the British Museum is widely regarded as one of the world’s finest museums of human history and culture. Comprised of a single visit-defying eight million works from around the world, many of these are from other countries, which has led to continued controversy with several demanding the return of their national artefacts. Controversy be damned though – this is one epic haul. britishmuseum.org

Sunday Lunch

British food is something of a laughing stock in global culinary circles – it comes as little surprise that the Poms’ takeaway of choice is an Indian. But the traditional Sunday roast is the one time they knocked it out of the park. Chicken,

beef or lamb, it matters not when its served up with roast potatoes, a garden of veg and waistline-bothering Yorkshire puddings and gravy. Accompanied by the odd bevvie to wash it down – and banish the

after-effects still lingering from the night before – this is one British tradition that is worth its weight in salt. Not to be missed.

The London Eye: a absolute must see

Brick Lane

An iconic London district, so much so, it even spawned a movie set in the midst of its culturally-diverse surrounds, Brick Lane is a must for curry fans with its Bangladeshi history making for a diverse experience for the tastebuds. Trendy Shoreditch types have added to the area’s gentrification, with all manner of vintage shops and boundless exhibition spaces, and the Sunday Up Market housed within the Old Truman Brewery specialises in vintage clothes, jewellery and art. The vibrant character and energy is infectious.

London Sporting Venues

London houses a smorgasbord of world class and iconic sports grounds. Arsenal’s 60,000 capacity home at the Emirates dominates north London with the recently developed Wembley out west, home to international fixtures (and the odd superstar concert too).



TNTMAGAZINE.COM 51

Take a stadium tour of Chelsea’s west London Stamford Bridge residence in the plush surrounds of Fulham and visit England’s Twickenham home to see the turf on which the boys ‘underperform’ on a regular basis. Lord’s holds fort as one of the country’s most prestigious cricketing venues and the postal code of SW17 is synonymous with Wimbledon, the birthplace of lawn tennis and one of four annual grand slam competitions. They’re still searching for their first Brit champ since 1936.

sport4allseasons.com

Big Ben

Arguably the most famous landmark in the whole city, Big Ben stands proud at the north end of the Palace of Westminster - Ben being the name given to the bell inside the tower that chimes every hour. Famous from any film with a scene set in London, take a walk around the tower’s environs and take in the history.

bigben.parliament.co.uk Madame Tussauds

A tourist attraction that is as cheesy as it is essential, Tussauds has waxworks of folk from pop, fashion, sports and, of course, the royal family. So pop by and check out the likenesses of Prince Charles,

Lady Gaga, David Beckham, Wolverine (aka Hugh Jackman), Rihanna and Sachin Tendulkar.

madametussauds.com/london

London Zoo

The world’s oldest scientific zoo - it opened its doors for the first time in 1828 - London Zoo houses a cornucopia of animals and reptiles, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Regent’s Park. There’s London’s only living rainforest, ‘Penguin Beach’, a reptile house, and Asian big cats. There’s a walk-through monkey enclosure too allowing a little face-to-face time where - with no barrier between man and simian - if you’re not careful some cheeky critter might make off with your sunnies.

zsl.org

Thames Boat Cruise

One of the best ways to take in the sights is a guided tour, of which there are many to choose, so take to the water for a Thames-based view of the city, plus you also get a taste of the famously-dry British sense of humour too from your stiff-upper-lipped (maybe) tour guide. Giving those feet a rest, you’ll pick up a wealth of historical facts and anecdotes about the city’s early days, its grisly beginnings and its development through the ages. A stop off at the Tower of London is a must too for Beafeater-spotting and details of that grisly history to boot.

tfl.gov.uk

London Parks

It’s not all concrete and grey in London, the city has an impressive array of parks and green spaces to kick back in with a beer and catch some rays – when the sun does decide to shine. Hyde Park, at one end of Oxford Street, boasts a year-round roster of star-studded events too, including the Olympics closing ceremony concert. It also offers

CAMDEN TOWN

WHY GO THERE? Camden Town

is London’s hub of counter-culture

cool with clubs, pubs, shopping

and more spilling across its lock

and surrounds. Out-there styles

and attitude run the streets.

WHERE TO GO? Camden’s

various markets are a frenetic but

unmissable shopping experience.

For drinks the World’s End provides

a snapshot of Camden characters

and club Koko is a must-stop for

instant indie-cool credibility.

Camden High Street, NW1 camdenlock.net Camden

CHECK IT OUT

boating on its famous Serpentine lake, which is home to the Solar Shuttle, a sun-only-powered vessel that glides across the water. Battersea Park on the south of the river offers boating and walks past its eye-catching Pagoda and Regent’s Park serves up green-space escape in the north. Clapham Common is the home of numerous summertime concerts and events, with nearby Richmond Park Iconic London: Big Ben

››


famed for its cycling routes and viewing platform.

royalparks.org.uk

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a wonderful example of where tradition meets commerce. Steeped in history and olde English pubs, it’s a fi ne place to catch a pint and lap up a rare moment of bustling city atmosphere. Buskers and street performers galore line the streets risking life and limb through all manner of performances for your attention and money. It’s also a shopping dream, with a dazzling array of boutiques and designer label stores to sate even the most fashion-hungry diva out there.

coventgardenlondonuk.com

Markets

London has a diverse selection of markets – one for all occasions and needs. Spitalfi elds, replete with a luxurious glass canopy, houses stalls catering for fashion, interiors,


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jewellery and art, and you can relax with a glass of wine in Old Spitalfi elds Market’s Victorian setting and browse the designer couture and antiques. Borough is London’s most renowned food market, with delights from all over the world, and Brixton, in south London, even boasts its own food market, with recipe suggestions and a cornucopia of street food.

boroughmarket.org.uk spitalfi elds.co.uk/markets

Portobello Road

Strecthing from Queens Park in the north to Notting Hill in the south, Portobello Road is one of London’s most de rigeur shopping destinations. Its famed Saturday market is a lesson in organised chaos as antiques, vintage clothing and assorted odds and ends make a play for your purse. With street food from around the world to keep you hunting, Portobello has a rugged charm to keep it grounded.

portobellomarket.org

Leicester Square in the West End

The London Bridge Experience

Teasing that it is the ‘scariest day out’ the London Bridge Experience takes you through a potted history of the city’s grotty and ghastly past, including the Great Fire of London, as well as a tour through the tombs that lie underneath the world famous bridge landmark.

thelondonbridgeexperience.com. London Aquarium

With more than 500 species on show and some two million litres of water, the SeaLife centre on London’s South Bank is a dazzling demonstration of what lies beneath. With 14 themed zones including 14 sharks from 12 different species, it’s not just fi sh and plantlife from the British Isles and surrounds on show but from all over the world’s oceans.

visitsealife.com/London

Picadilly Circus

An iconic setting seen in a thousand movies, Piccadilly Circus will disappoint those looking for some big top-themed entertainment, but them alone. With its glaring, futuristic wall of neon signs for TDK, Sanyo and Fosters, to the statue of Eros in its centre, a popular meeting place for those in town, it’s a London locale you can’t afford to miss. Take in the sights and watch in wonder as life, in all its guises, races past before your very eyes.

Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square was built in honour of the British victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in the Napoleonic Wars. Nelson’s Column, constructed in 1843, keeps solemn watch over the city with four lions on plinths keeping guard at the base. Famous for its pigeons – which once numbered 35,000 – the square is now free of its feathery population since bird seed was banned in the early Noughties.



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Tate Modern

The most visited modern art gallery in the world, that’s what Tate Modern is. But it wasn’t always that way. A brave decision to turn the previously disused Bankside Power station in to an art gallery is one that was met with suspicion and pessimism on its announcement, but it’s a move that has paid off in spades. Housing modern and contemporary art from 1900 onwards, artists such as Claude

Monet, Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol are displayed here. The Tate Modern’s turbine hall, which previously housed the electricity generators of the power station, is a behemoth to behold. With expansion work developing several unused sections, including underground oil tanks, slated for

completion by the 2012 Games, this British success story is set to continue and no trip to the city would be complete without a visit.

tate.org.uk/modern

QUIRKY LONDONLondon has a host of weird and wonderful charms. SPEAKER’S CORNER in Hyde Park is an outlet for opinion and debate – an opportunity that is much needed in these politically-inclined times. AFTERNOON TEA at The Ritz takes a very proper English tradition and gives it a luxurious spin, and FISH AND CHIPS at Harrods is a must for those wanting to sample Britain’s other culinary export.

Guided Tours

Jump on a open-topped bus – weather-permitting – for a spin around the capital’s streets to take in the sights and sounds and get your bearings. For the more energetic, there are oodles of themed-walking tours to take in, including a Jack The Ripper tour along the east London streets which this vicious serial killer stalked in the 1800s.

East End & Shoreditch

Gentrifi cation is leading the charge in this up-and-coming area of London. A hipster scene predominates, taking in art, music and fashion. Stop in at any one of the area’s trendy bars or ultra-cool nightspots to soak up the vibes. ❚

No visit would be complete without a trip to Buckingham Palace


London has a reputation as a bustling city of power, passion and prestige, and accordingly there is no shortage of options for your entertainment needs. Whether it be live music, clubbing, theatre, comedy, or eating out with a good bottle of red, there’s a venue, night, and occasion for all.

When you’ve got your bearings, it’s time to pick up a copy of TNT to fi nd out what’s going on. In the meantime, here’s our guide to the biggest, best and most essential things to see, do and be a part of.

Main stage

London’s live music scene is the talk of the town – and beyond. With a host of venues catering for the small intimate gigs as well as the ground-

Making a scene The birthplace of punk, the world’s finest comedians, West End shows that tour the globe: London has it nailed when it comes to entertainment


TNTMAGAZINE.COM54

shaking arena epics, there’s accommodation for even the planet’s biggest stars. The newly refurbished Wembley Stadium is the natural stop for the world’s biggest acts, with Muse, Metallica and Foo Fighters having unleashed their live shows here in recent years.

The nearby Wembley Arena is host to popular telly shows such as the perennial X Factor, in addition to comedians and bands – Flight of the Conchords performed a sell-out show here not two years ago.

The O2 (theo2.co.uk) Arena, formerly ‘the Dome’ has, in the space of fi ve years, quickly cemented itself as one of the world’s most popular venues in the country.

An ‘intimate large venue’ if you will, it hosts a

FINAL UK & Ireland Guide 2012 En54 54FINAL UK & Ireland Guide 2012 En54 54 2/2/12 12:03:032/2/12 12:03:03


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variety of shows, comedians and gigs ranging from TV show Strictly Come Dancing’s live tour and stand-up comedian Lee Evans to rock legends Led Zeppelin.

Intimate setting

As well as catering for the big guns, there are all manner of smaller scale venues across the city. The famous 100 Club (the100club.co.uk) in Oxford Street is a small venue that has seen the likes of the Sex Pistols and, more recently, Oasis, and was supported by none other than Paul McCartney when threatened with closure. King’s Cross’ The Scala (scala-london.co.uk) is an intimate venue par excellence, getting you up close and personal with the performers, and north London’s Highbury Garage (venues.mean fi ddler.com/the-garage) is a regular stop for indie and rock’s fi nest.

Brixton Academy (o2academybrixton.co.uk) is world famous; the former theatre and cinema having been the setting for live albums by the likes of Motorhead and Franz Ferdinand, and a regular stop for alternative bands, pop acts as well as comedians.

The rejuvenated Roundhouse in Camden (roundhouse.org.uk) is an arts and music venue steeped in history, so too the Hammersmith Apollo (venues.meanfi ddler.com/apollo/home) which is a fave for top-selling artists and comedians alike and is host for the comedy show Live At The Apollo.

Familiar sounds

For those missing the sounds of home, don’t worry as plenty of bands and comedians from

Australia, New Zealand and South Africa tour their shows over here.

Remember to check the pages of TNT for listings. There’s nothing like supporting homegrown talent overseas, and a special, one-off thrill can be found seeing bands from home abroad.

Buying tickets

Most bands’ offi cial websites have links to booking, or reminders when tickets go on sale. Sites such as Ticketweb or SeeTickets offer weekly newsletter letting you know who’s playing when and where so you don‘t miss out.

If you’ve missed the initial sale then there are a number of sites where you can buy or sell tickets for gigs and shows too, such as seatwave.com and viagogo.com. The price might be steep, but sometimes there’s no price on seeing your favourite band. Clubbing

Electro, techno, house, trance, R&B, garage – whatever you’re after, there’s sounds to suit with clubs ready to challenge even the most energetic of clubbers.

Ministry of Sound in Southwark, south London (ministryofsound.com), is one of the clubbing scene’s mainstay attractions. With fi ve rooms, four bars, four dancefl oors, and

four DJ booths, there is plenty to keep you going to the small hours.

Fabric in Farringdon (fabriclondon.com) is a top ten regular in ‘Best Club in the World’ polls in the press, and it lives up to its billing. It has three rooms including

BFI IMAX

WHAT IS IT? The biggest cinema

screen in Britain – 20 metres high

and 26 metres wide – and the best

place for the ultimate movie-

watching experience.

WHY GO THERE?

The IMAX format produces

a larger, more detailed image that’s

the perfect home for 3D movies.

It is how blockbuster cinema was

meant to be seen, just ask James

Cameron.

BFI IMAX 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk,

South Bank, Waterloo, SE1 8XR

Waterloo bfi .org.uk

CHECK IT OUT

FESTIVAL SEASONThe UK’s music scene comes alive in the summer. Reading (readingfestival.com) stars the biggest names in rock, and Download the heaviest names in metal (dowloadfestival.co.uk). Bruce Springsteen headlines the Isle of Wight event (isleofwight festival.com), with Latitude (latitudefstival.co.uk) bringing a touch of class to the often mud-covered festival-going experience, and T In The Park (tinthepark.com)taking things north of the border.

a ‘bodysonic’ dancefl oor’ which pulses bass through your feet.

Electric Brixton, formerly The Fridge, is a new, young upstart on the club scene and well worth checking out. In the summer, EGG near King’s Cross (egglondon.net)and Dex Club in Brixton (dexclub.co.uk) both boast balcony terraces so you can check out the tunes in glorious sunshine. ››


Simply get yourself down to Gigalum Bar by Clapham South tube station before 9pm Fridays

You’ll be given your free ticket at 11:30pm at Gigalum where discounted taxis will waiting to pick you up, or the tube ride is only 20 minutes door-to-door. Tickets valid until 12:30am at Ministry Of Sound.

WHY NOT BOOK A TABLE OR AN AREA AT GIGALUM AND SAMPLE THE DELICIOUS MENU?

www.gigalum.com - Tel: 020 8772 0303


room-known names, up-and-coming talent and fresh faces, there are laughs for all, and for all tastes.

Jongleurs (jongleurs.com) is a nation-wide branch of comedy stores, which sells comedy as a packaged night out, including food and post-laughs music.

The Comedy Store (thecomedystore.co.uk) is a long-serving club that has been instrumental in the growth of alternative comedy, shepherding many young talents to success.

Fat Tuesday at the Compass (fattuesdaycomedy.co.uk) is a smaller affair, but the laughs just as big; Live at the Chapel (liveatthechapel.co.uk) scores points for its foul-mouthed behaviour in a church, an unlikely setting for an evening of comedy that includes a tea-serving


TNTMAGAZINE.COM 57

Classical, opera & dance

All tastes are catered for in London, so if you fancy taking it down a notch for some classical accompaniment or perhaps an outing for the opera, look no further. Wigmore Hall, in Marylebone (wigmore-hall.org.uk), is one of the world’s top chamber music halls, and boasts a fi ne restaurant to boot.

The Barbican Centre (barbican.org.uk), opened in 1982, has a deceptive appearance. From the outside it’s a concrete beast, but the architecture disguises the poly-purpose arts complex which hosts exhibitions, theatre, dance and performance.

The Royal Opera House (roh.org.uk) is one the world’s foremost venues for watching the fat lady sing, and encourages those seeking their debut opera experience.

BBC Proms

This eight-week classical music festival is world famous. Founded more than a hundred years ago, it consists of some 70 concerts held in the Royal Albert Hall, as well as a series of chamber concerts at Cadogan Hall and Proms In The Park events to coincide with the fi nal night.

The Last Night Of The Proms is a sight to behold. Decked out with Union Jacks as far as the eye can see, it takes British national pride to its zenith, with Land Of Hope And Glory and Rule Britannia! mainstays of the event.

Comedy

If there’s one thing the Brits have, it’s a sense of humour – come on, they’ve needed it – which is played out through the city’s wealth of comedy venues. Boasting living-

Clockwise: The Proms; Rihanna at V Festival; crowd at Glastonbury

››


kiosk (very British) and live music too; and the Soho Theatre (sohotheatre.com) is famed for its intimate presentation of established acts.

There are a wealth of free comedy nights too – the Selkirk in Tooting (theselkirk.co.uk) and the Comedy Cafe (comedycafe.co.uk) – where you might just catch the stars of tomorrow.

Theatre

London’s West End has it all. There are the mainstream musicals such as the long-running We Will Rock You, Billy Elliot and Chicago, and Green Day’s American Idiot is set


TNTMAGAZINE.COM58

to open at the end of the year. Then there are the more high-

brow options with any number of new plays and performances opening on a weekly basis.

It has also become somewhat fashionable for big name actors and actresses – from the UK and the States – to take a spell treading the boards in the limelight, recent guests to the London stage including David Schwimmer, Christian Slater and

Ethan Hawke. The theatre experience is

not complete without dinner beforehand, an interval bevvie and then perhaps a follow up

Buy a bargain theatre ticket in the West End

afterwards, you know, to discuss the show you’ve just seen. A handy place to check what’s rocking the West End can be found attheatreland.co.uk

Non-commercial theatre

For those seeking an injection of the artistic, they need look no further than London’s many non-commercial theatres which, frequently though government funding, offer a diverse range of productions and performances where the emphasis is less on the populist.

The Globe Theatre in Bankside (shakespears-globe.org), the National Theatre on the South Bank (nationaltheatre.co.uk) as well as the Old Vic in Southwark (oldvictheatre.com) are some of the venues worth checking out.

Cinema

For those more interested in the silver screen, London has a plenty of cinemas.

Leicester Square is the place to go for the multiplexes (odeon.co.uk; myvue.com) showing the latest big releases.

The Picturehouse chain (picturehouses.co.uk), which has prized establishments in Clapham and Brixton, skews more towards independent releases, often throwing in fi lm quizzes and themed seasons, with Curzon (curzoncinemas.com) geared towards arthouse and Euro fare.

The Prince Charles in Leicester Square is a fi lm fan’s fave with its line up of retro and contemporary cinema cool.

The BFI Southbank (bfi .org.uk) houses three screens that show a selection of mainstream, independent and prestige fi lms, while often delving in to the archives.

It is also home to the BFI London Film Festival (bfi .org.uk/lff) which runs in the autumn. ❚

THE INSIDER’S TIPSYou can score free tickets to comedy gigs and more by signing up to a free ticketing sites for the recording of TV and radio shows. Check the schedules and apply in time, usually online, and you could be in the audience for a live recording. With many comedians fronting their own shows (Russell Howard), and loads of panel and music shows, a night of randomness awaits – you might get your face on TV, too.See tvrecordings.com



Whatever game you’re into, you’ll fi nd it in London, but throughout the year, there are a handful of main events which attract the spotlight. Flick to the back pages, choose a team or player to support and make sure you’re in the stands when the action starts.

Given the saturation coverage, there’s no point trying to avoid football, so embrace the national obsession. Head to Wembley to watch England – be warned, though, the swing from unrealistic optimism to wrist-slashing pessimism may cause whiplash. Failing that, adopt one of London’s fi ve Premier League teams.

ARSENALThe Gunners pride themselves on playing snazzy,

A sporting capitalLondon is well-serviced for sport all year round, so make sure you get your fill while here. It’s best to plan ahead, though, as tickets sell out quicklyWORDS TOM STURROCK


TNTMAGAZINE.COM60

entertaining football, but their fans have been frustrated by their long-running trophy drought. Back in the early years of this century, Arsenal were one of the powerhouses, but it’s been slim pickings of late. They’re based at Emirates Stadium. Tickets are hard to come by. Call 0844 277 3625 or see arsenal.com.

CHELSEARoman Abramovich runs the club like he’s playing Fantasy Football Manager, splashing the cash on whichever players he fancies, and chopping and changing coaches on a whim. Chelsea have had a fair bit of success since Abramovich showed up in 2003, but many fi nd his plutocratic approach unpalatable. Call 0870 300 2322 for tickets or check out chelseafc.co.uk.

FOOTBALL

Arsenal: catch a match for some entertaining footwork

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TNTMAGAZINE.COM 61

FULHAMAn underdog side that is a natural favourite with antipodeans due to the inclusive nature of the club, ticket availability and their location in an Aussie and Kiwi heartland. Their home ground is the charming Craven Cottage, meaning the fans are known as the Cottagers. Unfortunate. Call 0870 442 1234 or see fulhamfc.com.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPURFor years, Spurs were derided for their fl akiness, but they’ve turned it around under Harry Redknapp and they’re now in the mix for a top-four spot. Their fans still have a bit of a complex though, insisting they deserve more respect than they’re afforded. Call 0844 499 5000 or see tottenhamhotspur.com.

QUEEN’S PARK RANGERSOf the London clubs in the Premier League, QPR are the newest addition, returning after winning the title in the second tier. They’re based in Shepherd’s Bush, west London, making their matches with Fulham and Chelsea local derbies, in which passions can run high. Call 08444 777 007 or see qpr.co.uk.

WIMBLEDONThe tournament at the All England club begins on June 25 and runs for two weeks. If you can’t get tickets to centre court, it’s still worth cruising around the grounds and lying on the grass sipping Pimm’s. You can queue overnight or show up early. Alternatively,

saunter down after work and catch a few hours of tennis before it gets dark.

ATP WORLD TOUR FINALSThe end-of-year tournament pits the best eight players on the men’s tour against each other. Held at the O2 in Greenwich in November,

it’s a far cry from the sedate atmosphere of Wimbledon but gives Londoners a second bite of the cherry to see some tennis without waiting two weeks for the pointy end of a tournament. See barclaysatpworldtourfi nals.com.

END OF YEAR TOURSThe Springboks, All Blacks and Wallabies generally tour the northern hemisphere every November, but if you can’t get to Twickenham for the internationals, there are other ways to get your rugby fi x.

LONDON SEVENSThe London leg of the IRB Sevens World Series is played over a weekend in May at Twickenham. Fancy dress is encouraged, so put on your thinking cap and get colourful. There was a time when sevens was a bit of a lark, but with it now an Olympic sport and players increasingly graduating to the 15-a-side sides, it’s a great chance to see attacking rugby and some of the stars of the future. Check rfu.com.

AVIVA PREMIERSHIPThe Premiership season runs from September to May, and

LORD’S

Attending a Test match at Lord’s

is one of the most pleasurable

experiences any sports fan can

have in London. The high-point of

the English cricketing summer will

be the series against South Africa,

with the third and fi nal Test to be

played at Lord’s from mid-August.

Australia will also play a ODI there

on June 29 and another at The Oval

on July 1, while the West Indies

will be the curtain-raiser to it all,

playing a Test at Lord’s in May.

St John’s Wood Rd, NW8 8QN lords.org St John’s Wood

CHECK IT OUT

the European competition, the Heineken Cup, is played concurrently. London is home to four sides, London Wasps, London Irish, Harlequins and Saracens. Wasps have traditionally been the strongest, winning the Premiership four times since 2002. That’s changed in recent times, with Saracens the reigning champions and Quins beginning the current season strongly. See premiershiprugby.com.

TENNIS

THE BOAT RACEOxford and Cambridge universities go head-to-head on the Thames in an annual boat race that has been going since 1829. It all happens on Saturday, April 7, the competition kicking off at 2pm. Even if you don’t really care about who wins – it’s one bunch of toffs against another – it’s a great day on the banks of the river, with much carousing to be done. Hurrah. Check in with TNT Magazine near the time for the best spots.

SEE THEBOATRACE.ORG

RUGBY

TD Sport in the UK.indd 61TD Sport in the UK.indd 61 2/2/12 12:02:132/2/12 12:02:13

So you’ve landed in the UK. You didn’t think you’d be putting your feet up just yet, did you? Now you are here there is travel, entertainment and the odd boozy night out to pay for. You’ve got to get yourself a job. We tell you how.

The job market

The diffi cult state of the UK and European economy is well documented, however, that doesn’t mean there are no jobs – there are always skills shortages to plug. Armed with a well-composed CV and loads of enthusiasm, you should be able to fi nd work before long.

Helpfully, antipodeans and South Africans are looked on favourably by employers who appreciate their can-do attitude and work ethic. New Zealanders

Enter the marketYou’re in the UK to have fun and travel, so you’ll need to find a way to fund your overseas adventure. Find a job and everything else will fall into place

GETTINGWORK follow us on @tntmagazine

TNTMAGAZINE.COM62

and Australians can work in Britain for two years on the Youth Mobility Visa.

You’ll also fi nd a selection of short-term contract and temporary work opportunities, if you know where to look, which is where TNT comes in.

Recruitment agencies

Many new arrivals head straight to recruitment agencies to help them fi nd work. Whether you join them will depend on a few things, such as: how much fl exibility you’d like (do you want a permanent job or short-term contract?); how much confi dence you have in your ability to fi nd work; and what you’d like to do while you’re here. Some industries rely on agency recruitment more than others.

Finding work through an agency is effectively

Bright lights: London presents plenty of opportunity

FINAL GW in London - Bec.indd 62FINAL GW in London - Bec.indd 62 2/2/12 12:04:362/2/12 12:04:36

GETTINGWORKlike us on facebook/tntmagazine

TNTMAGAZINE.COM 63

a three-stage process:• You contact an agency and arrange to submit your CV.• The agency calls you in for an interview, and may also test you on your skills.• The agency matches you to a job that suits your skills and experience.

The key is to be persistent. While many recruitment agencies are effi cient, others you are unlikely to hear from again after your interview. Don’t take it personally, and bear in mind in the current market, agencies are being fl ooded with candidates.

It’s worth signing up to several companies to boost your chances, and don’t be afraid to phone them regularly if they’ve not found you anything. A little reminder often goes a long way.

Going it alone

However, you don’t have to rely on agencies to fi nd a job.

Those of specialist professions should check publications of the member organisations; we’ve mentioned a few of them in the relevant careers sections in this guide. Also, many national and local papers also carry job adverts.

Among them are the Guardian, The Times and The Independent; in London, the Standard; in Scotland, the Daily Record and The Scotsman; and in Ireland, the Irish

Times and the Irish Independent. Of course, don’t forget to check TNT Magazine each Monday for jobs or see tntjobs.co.uk.

Network

Never under-estimate the power of word of mouth. Talk to as many people as possible.

Even when you’re down the pub, drop into conversation that you’re looking for work. Other Southern Hemisphere arrivals are usually only too happy to share their experiences and advice, and you

• Keep it brief: Don’t bore the reader with details of your needlepoint prizes or ukulele talent.

• Keep it neat: Don’t bother with a fancy layout; it should be easy for agencies and employers to fi nd what they need.

• Back it up: Always include two references.

• Keep it clear: When listing your qualifi cations, include the UK and/or Irish equivalent if applicable.

• Ensure dates link up: If you were out of work or travelling, include it.

• Boast about it: Under your most signifi cant jobs, write in detail about your achievements.

may even get a heads-up about an upcoming position. Social media is a powerful tool. Follow your favourite organisations

on Twitter and Facebook, and also connect with people on LinkedIn.

Don’t feel awkward about getting in touch with old connections, you never know when they might come in handy.

The axiom it’s not what you know, but who you know, rings loud.

Some fi rms offer incentives to their employees if they refer new staff,

HOW TO WRITE A CV THAT STANDS OUT

Be proactive ... and avoid ending up in the queue

NUMBER CRUNCHING Basic tax rate: 20 per cent on annual earnings above the PAYE tax threshold and up to £35,000Higher tax rate: 40 per cent on annual earnings from £35,001 to £150,000 Additional tax rate: 50 per cent on annual earnings above £150,000National minimum wage: £6.08 for 20 and aboveNational Insurance: 12 per cent of your weekly wage if between £139 and £817; two per cent on a weekly wage if more than £817

››


so there could be something in it for both of you. Consider joining associations or networking groups as these can give you useful contacts as well as a bit of inside information on available jobs.

If you’ve got your heart set on a particular fi rm, you can always offer to do work experience, or work shadow someone for a few weeks and use the opportunity to shine. Tax structures

Tax! We hear you groan, but don’t worry. It is a necessary evil. Once you’ve snatched a job, you’ll want to maximise your earnings and reduce your tax bills. If you end up with contract work, like many antipodeans and South Africans do, it’s even easier with the help of tax effi cient structures.

“The best start for any individual would be to fi nd a solution to maximise their money, by making the right fi nancial decisions, based on their unique situations,” John Dunn, tax and shipping manager at 1st Contact, says.

There are two major tax structures: umbrella


TNTMAGAZINE.COM64

company and limited company. The IR35 is a piece of tax legislation, which helps distinguish between people disguised as self-employed (to avoid paying tax) and those who are employed.

But before you make your decision, make sure you take into account the following criteria: • Flexibility of your payment options.

• Earning level.• Average hours/days of work.

• The type of work and manner in which you work.• How much responsibility you want to undertake.• Your fi nancial astuteness.

So which of these structure will work for you in London?

Umbrella company

If you don’t want to get muddled up with paperwork, an umbrella company is the best structure.

Dunn says: “An umbrella company acts as an employer for UK-based contractors/temporary workers. It represents a hassle-free way to maximise your earnings as a contractor, and is used as an alternative to a limited company.” As an employee,

Starting up: your local job centre will advertise vacancies

TOP TIP

Ask for work advice over beers



TNTMAGAZINE.COM 65

you will only have to report your hours and work expenses each week. Easy!

Positives• Low involvement.• Fees are taken per invoice and there are no set-up or closure fees.• Benefi cial for individuals earning less than £20 per hour.• Responsible for all back-offi ce administration, such as invoicing and payroll, so agencies/ contractors can earn higher premium or “company” rates.

Negatives• The tax benefi ts are not as good as those for a limited company.• Reduced control – as an employee, you have little fl exibility and cannot custom-fi t your solution.

Limited company

The limited company is suited to

self-employed contractors who are ready to take on a bit more administration work.

“A limited company is a clever way of starting up as a contractor or new business with minimal risk, affording you the advantages of ownership along with certain tax benefi ts,” Dunn says.

Positives• Lower tax – profi ts for small companies are taxed at a fl at rate of 21 per cent (compared to the top rate of 50 per cent for employees).• You pay yourself from a business bank account in a mix of dividends, salary and expenses, according to your personal requirements. An accountant can advise what is best.• Ideal for those who wish to maximise their tax effi ciency and are earning more than £20 per hour or £40,000 per year.

• Dividends do not attract National Insurance and you only pay personal tax on any dividends drawn over and above the upper tax threshold.• You can register for VAT/FRV.• Pensions are tax deductible.

Negatives• There is medium to high involvement as you are a director of your own company. The onus is on you to adhere to all company rules, and there is therefore a high degree of responsibility.• The fees involved include occasional set-up fees, accounting fees and Companies House (the UK government register of companies; see companieshouse.gov.uk) fees• You will need to be familiar with the IR35 legislation and be compliant.

See 1stcontact.com ❚

Talking tax: seek help if it’s all a bit confusing


If keeping yourself free to hop to the next opportunity, or country, appeals to you, then temping is a good way to make sure you’re not tied down. And, despite the recession, the market for temporary work is still healthy.

With dark times and lay-offs, companies have realised they need to hire people to fi ll in the gaps. And as long as staff have holiday rights, go on maternity leave and take time off sick or companies get more work than their staff can cope with, temps will be a valuable resource.

Temporary staff can help companies survivetough times as they save on overheads and costs of full-time staff. They also help if staff don’t have certain expertise to fi nish a project. But as well as keeping you free, temping can also be a way into

Temporary optionsThere’s something enticing about keeping your options open, and temping lets you do just that. Find out all about non-permanent work in the UKWORDS CLARE VOOGHT


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a more permanent role – many companies like to assess potential candidates for jobs before they hire them full time, and hiring temps can be a good way for them to do this.

Temporary work can last for any length of time – from a day to a month or even longer. Hours can be part- or full-time.

The advantages of temping

Rather than jumping on a staff job that might not be right for you, temping lets you try out a host of different roles to see what they’re really like when you’re in them. And if you make yourself indispensable within a company you like, it’s a great way to get your foot in the door. You’ll also be keeping up skills you have, while getting the opportunity to learn more as

Show off your talents and your role could end up being offered a full-time position

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you work at different places with different people.

Usually wages are paid at an hourly rate and on a weekly basis, so you don’t have to wait a whole month to get paid.

Where are the jobs?

Many sectors need temporary workers, but the biggest demand remains in accountancy, education and healthcare. And there are lots of agencies covering these areas. Reed’s Tempzone (reed.co.uk/tempzone) has thousands of temporary positions in cities throughout the UK.

What’s the pay like?

It vastly depends on what skills you have and what type of job you’re doing. Hourly rates range from minimum wage (£6.08 per hour for workers aged 21 or over) to around £25 an hour for skilled workers in fi elds such as accountancy or engineering.

Will I have to forfeit my perks?

You don’t have to just suck it up when you’re not well or forfeit pay while you’re on holiday.

Temps are still entitled to annual leave, which is based on the hours worked, and there are conditional entitlements to sick pay

– make sure you ask your agency about this.

Paying your dues

You still can’t escape tax as a part-time or casual temporary worker – everyone has to pay income tax and National Insurance contributions on anything earned above £7,475 a year.

This applies to those who are employed or self-employed. But tax paid up to that allowance can be claimed back at the end of the tax year if money has been deducted.

If you’re employed on a casual, temporary or part-time basis, by law your employer must: • Deduct tax and National Insurance contributions from your wages • Give you payslips • Give you a P45 form when you leave • Give you a P60 tax summary at the end of each tax year if you still work for the employer

If you’re working two part-time jobs, you’ll be given a different tax code, which takes this into account. You’ll still get the same tax allowance as everyone else, which will come from your main job.

Your other job or jobs will be taxed at a basic or higher rate, depending on your total income.

TOP TIPS FOR SUCCESSYou still need to impress in the temping world, so stay on top of the game to get ahead.

• Be punctual. If you are held up or unable to get to work, contact your recruitment adviser as soon as possible so they can alert the client or arrange any necessary cover.

• Be respectful of company dress codes. It’s safest to wear smart business attire unless you are otherwise advised.

• Give your recruiter your direct line so that they can stay in touch during your assignment.

• Arrange any personal appointments or interviews outside the company’s working hours.

• Switch off your mobile when on assignments.

• Client telephones, internet, email, faxes and photocopying facilities are generally not for your own personal use.

• If you need to work overtime or through the lunch period, clear it with your employer.

• Be aware of an employer’s health and safety policy, and at the end of an assignment leave handover notes and return your security pass. Get ahead as a temp

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London is a fi nancial haven – despite the UK’s uncertain economy. While the UK banking sector still rests on shaky ground, there will always be a demand for fresh talent. Positions for part- and newly qualifi ed accountants, Certifi ed Public Accountant and temp roles are available.

Increasing market

Good candidates with niche experience are getting multiple offers, according to Tom Kennedy, director of Interim and Contract Recruitment at London’s Cameron Kennedy fi nancial recruitment.

“The prospects are good for candidates who have something to offer, for example qualifi ed accountants with extensive IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) experience, or investment banking product knowledge. Risk specialists should fi nd opportunities relatively easy to come by as well,” Kennedy says.

Though the market has been turbulent, the outlook is still positive. “The lay-offs have been well

Finance mattersThe City is the hub of the financial sector in the UK – here, you’ll find wheelers, dealers and money-spinners of every kind. Here’s how to get noticed


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publicised, but the general perception at the moment is that though many are staying put people will listen to good opportunities; there is signifi cant movement in certain sectors, such as Insurance,” he adds.

Indeed, the good opportunities do come around, and this in turn is creating more confi dence in recruiting and job hunting, with increased hiring across all sectors, from banks to commerce.

Who is hiring?

If you’re talented and have experience, take a leap and apply to work big, private fi rms.

“The public sector is not really hiring, but the fi nancial services business sector, and a lot of the larger accounting and fi rms, are quite to keen to bring on as much talent as they can,” Kennedy says.

“Our clients continue to rely on fl exible staffi ng, that is temps and contractors. Relevant experience and proven ability should guarantee consistent employment.” Banks and commercial markets

City life: join the hoards of commuters working in the fi nance sector

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often hire temps, but timing is important. They will recruit as the fi nancial year comes to a close near March and April. Tax accountants can fi nd temporary work in the run-up to the deadline for personal tax returns in January.

Getting a job

So the time may be right, but how do you make sure you stand out from the crowd. The key is having a good CV.

“Agencies receive hundreds of CVs daily through job boards, many of which may not be relevant, so make it clear what your key skills are,” Kenney says.

It’s also crucial to include key words in your online CV, such as IT systems, product specialisms or regulatory/risk skills, as agencies regularly do database searches.

Also have all your references to

hand. Additionally, it’s imperative to highlight your qualifi cations, especially any with the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants or Associated Charter of Certifi ed Accountants, or overseas equivalent.

Don’t sell your experience short. Highlight it in roles such as project accountant, payroll supervisor or internal auditor.

Expected pay rates

Junior level, part-qualifi ed accountants can expect £30,000 a year or £120 a day contract work; newly qualifi ed accountants can earn £45,000 a year or £250 day; higher-end accountants make £350 a day; payroll assistants earn £23,000 a year or £18p/h; payroll supervisors make £27,000 a year.

See cameronkennedy.com

TOP TIPS

• Make sure you add context to your CV. Highlight the primary clients that you have been working with – the size and type of the businesses and, if they are well known, include the name.

• Highlight any practical work.

• Stay fl exible in terms of salary and position. Don’t accept something you don’t want but keep an open mind.

• Tap into your network, you might be surprised at the results.

• Before you even leave home, send over CVs and let possible employers know when you will be here and what you’re looking for.

There is a high demand for newly qualifi ed and experienced accountants in Scotland’s capital city.

Quality opportunities exist in temporary, contract and permanent markets. They include challenging roles within

international organisations and high-profi le positions in medium and smaller, expanding companies. Roles are

broad-ranging and include fi nancial and management reporting, fi nancial and business analysts, decision support,

business partners and risk professionals. If you are a qualifi ed fi nance professional and interested in discussing a move

to Edinburgh please contact us. For those new to the area we will endeavour to assist you with any relocation queries.

T: +44(0)131 225 8030 - E: [email protected] - W: www.wilkinsonandassociates.co.uk

46 Melville Street, Edinburgh, EH3 7HF, UK

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Teaching is a great way to make a living (providing you like kids) as it has so many benefi ts. Doing the job in London lets you try a different education system and you get to experience other schools and learning environments. And no teacher has ever complained about the holidays!

The market

Teaching has defi nitely been hit by the recession, and schools have been tightening their budgets. Theyare making sure they get value for money when they’re hiring, so the recruitment process is tough.

But Richard Knell, manager at Hays Education recruiters, says despite that: “Teachers from overseas still remain an attractive option for schools when they are recruiting, providing they can be fl exible and adapt to the UK curriculum.”

Teach it wellLondon always has jobs for teachers up for grabs, whether you’re after a full-time position or something a little more temporary WORDS CLARE VOOGHT


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As it’s so multicultural and densely populated in London, and because there are so many different kinds of schools, it shouldn’t be too diffi cult for people moving from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to fi nd work if they’ve got the right qualifi cations and fi t the role.

Qualifi cations

You’ll be eligible to teach in the UK as long as you have a recognised teaching qualifi cation from home.

Overseas Trained Teachers (OTTs) need to register with a central governing body, which is called the General Teaching Council (GTC).

The GTC costs £36.50 to join, but all you need to do is fi ll in a form when you register with an agency.

As an OTT, you’re allowed to teach in the UK for a maximum of four years before you’ll need to have

London’s multicultural schools welcome foreign teachers

Kick-start your UK Teaching Career – Join GSL Education!GSL Education is a Quality Mark Teaching Agency with numerous Primary and Secondary Client Schools in London.

We offer daily, long-term and permanent contracts to Local and Overseas Qualifi ed Primary and Secondary Teachers at high rates of pay. With years of experience placing candidates and strong links with schools, we are ready to fi nd work matching your needs.

If you are seeking teaching work – contact us!

Email your CV to: [email protected] or contact us on: +44 (0)207 739 2211.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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obtained Qualifi ed Teacher Status (QTS). If you have no relevant qualifi cations, schools do employ cover supervisors to watch over a class when teachers are away. It’s a good way to get a taster of the teaching business.

What employers are looking for

In the current climate, they’re looking for people who can cope under pressure and still raise standards of teaching.

Things have been toughening up for anyone trying to get jobs in teaching because schools are looking for teachers who are value for money as well as “best fi t”, says Rob Harvey, director of recruitment fi rm Engage Education.

To stand out, employers want to know you’ve got a good work ethic, patience, fl exibility as well as strong behaviour management skills, good knowledge of the UK curriculum and the ability to build relationships fast and the knack to inspire and engage young people.

Supply or long-term

Short-term positions, like sickness or maternity cover, are the easiest to get right now. But these can lead to full-time permanent roles.

It comes down to personal choice. If you’d like the chance to take short trips and don’t want to be tied down, supply teaching is probably for you.

But if you’d rather work full-time and earn quickly to fund trips during the holidays, take a

permanent role.

Finding work

There are plenty of specialist recruitment fi rm, like Teach Anywhere (teachanywhere.com), which specialise in worldwide teacher recruitment.

Jobs are advertised on sites like goteach.co.uk

and eteach.com.Events like Engage Education’s

iday (iday.co.uk) where people on the company’s books looking for jobs can turn up and meet heads who are hiring. Plus travel costs, including airfares, are paid for.

SALARY In central London you can be earning from £27,000 and in the rest of England and Wales salaries begin at around £21,500.Supply teacher rates vary but they can earn around £100-£125 a day.TRAINING You’ll need a qualifi cation that’s recognised in the UK, like a Batchelors or Masters in Education.LOCATION Across London and the rest of the UK.PACKAGE Tons more holiday than anyone else. Roll on lie-ins.

TIPS FORSUCCESSRichard Knell, manager at recruiter Hays Education, gives his tips on getting ahead in teaching in the UK.

• Don’t join too many agencies when you arrive. Being clear about where you want to be long-term, and investing time to build a relationship with your recruiter will really help.

• Ensure your CV is up to date with previous teaching experience and be sure it shows how the experience you have overseas corresponds to the UK.

• Move over with a full written reference from a previous employer or teaching placement.

• Make sure you do some research before joining agencies and establish the location of the schools each agency works with (you don’t want to be travelling hours each way to schools in the middle of nowhere).

• It’s essential to do some research on the UK curriculum and have some lesson plans prepared before working as a supply teacher.

• Don’t let a bad day get you down – the schools in London vary so much that you are bound to have some, but stay positive.

• Make every effort to go out of your way to impress your employers when working in schools as they like continuity and will ask for you back in person if you get off on the right foot.

• Try to network with as many fellow overseas teachers as possible – there is a large community who all spend a lot of time together. This is a great way overcome the differences of teaching in the UK quickly.

See hays.co.uk/educationTeaching in London can be rewarding

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Scrubs? Check. Stethoscope? Check. Pesky paperwork? Check. Health workers can look forward to a fulfi lling career in the UK. You’vejust got to go through all the formalities fi rst.

The market

The demand for health workers in the UK is constant. There is a need for skilled and qualifi ed workers, ranging from GPs and nurses to allied health professionals, including radiologists, dermatologists, opthalmologists, and everything in between.

And the good news is antipodeans and Saffas are favoured. Warren Roach, a recruitment consultant at Merco Medical Recruitment in London, says: “British employers love the work ethic and professionalism of people from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, it’s just unfortunate changes to the Tier 2 Visa means fewer are able to come over – unless their specialty comes under the skills shortage list.

“However, if you are already here on a working holiday visa, and don’t want to go home when it runs out, your chances of sponsorship are high, and UK experience is highly favoured across the world, especially in emerging countries.”

While here, you could also train in a new specialty, such as neonatal intensive care, or paediatric care, which will make you more employable.

Credentials, registration, documentation

You must be registered in your country of origin as well as in the UK before you can start work. Bring with you original documentation that proves who you are and your qualifi cations. This includes degree papers, such as your academic transcript, proof of specialised training, registration certifi cate, birth and marriage certifi cates, criminal reference check, your passport, employment history and references.

Nurses can then apply with the Nursing and Midwifery Council online (nmc-uk.org) and doctors at the General Medical Council (gmc-uk.org). Even if it is your fi rst language, you will also need to do an

Doctor, doctorWorking in the medical profession is a commendable duty. Here’s how to land a job


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English test. It can take between one to six months before you start practicing as a fully registered nurse or doctor if you don’t have all the required papers, so it’s wise to start the process before you’ve left home.

“Most of the process can be done online, but the GMC does sometimes request doctors make an appointment with the,” Roach says.

How to fi nd a job

Survive the paperwork stage and you’re ready to go on the hunt. The best way to fi nd work is to register with an agency. You’ll fi nd plenty of listings in the private and public sector, plus support, as you plod through your job search. If you want to work for the NHS, see their website, nhsjobs.com.

As well as gaining valuable experience in a major world city, the incentives are fi nancial. A locum doctor can earn around £80 an hour and a nurse with around two years’ experience, upwards of £15. They are some healthy fi gures – which might mean you’re able to save as you work. See merco.co.uk

Put the UK to good health

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Salary in excess of £1000* per weekStrand Nurses Bureau are currently recruiting Registered Nurses and highly skilled Healthcare Assistants, experienced in the management of complex care packages, to meet the increasing needs of our UK based clients.

With positions available in care homes, discerning private clients’ own homes and hospital settings (including NHS and prestigious private hospitals), we off er fl exible hours and excellent rates of pay.

We are particularly keen to hear from postgraduate ITU trained Nurses, A&E Nurses and Paediatric Nurses/Carers.

Strand Nurses Bureau has a valued reputation for delivering a premier service by employing only the highest quality of nursing and care staff . If you believe you have the required clinical and social skills to become part of our outgoing team please contact us today.

Please quote reference: StrandTNT1

T: +44 (0)800 032 33 55 W: www.strandnursesbureau.comE: [email protected]

*Salary dependent on position.

Nurses and Carers Urgently Required!


For anyone who likes helping other people, nannying or working as a carer could be an ideal choice of job when arriving in the UK. There are lots of wealthy families with working parents who are in need of someone to look after their kids, and many elderly or disabled people in need of round-the-clock care. It’s also something you can do anywhere in the country and a skill you can take with you anywhere in the world.

Caring opportunities

your optionsCaring can be an incredibly rewarding career and there are plenty of jobs to suit you in terms of felixble hours, the types of people you work with and where in the country you go to work.

the care industryWorking as a nanny or carer can be both fulfilling and a great way to pay your way when you arrive in the uK Words Clare vooght


TNTMaGazINE.coM74

The positions you can opt to work in are:• Residential care worker – offers support to people in their homes on a longer-term basis.• Personal assistant – working in someone’s home on a one-to-one basis.• Community work – caring for people in a specific community and building personal relationships with families, youths or adults.• Home care worker – giving daily practical support to people in their homes, like cooking meals or cleaning.

There are also several different fields in each of these categories, including:• People with disabilities• People who use mental health services• The elderly• Children

Spend your days hanging out with kids as a nanny

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Lots of live-in and daily jobs available!!Top rates of pay & immediate start possibleTry us fi rst as we’ll really look after YOU as well as helping you look after our clients!!

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care à la carte

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Live-in Care Jobs

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Come and talk to our friendly consultants and let’s get you out working! Julia Ross is a London / Dublin based, Australian-owned recruitment agency specialising in a wide range of temporary, permanent and contract offi ce support roles, including:

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WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED?No care experience is needed to become a carer, says Melanie Geldard, recruitment communications manager from Helping Hands care service. “But it does take a certain type of person to make a great carer.

“Being compassionate, caring and patient are three important personality traits. Together with empathy, integrity and resilience. They have to be diligent, adaptable and reliable with a positive outlook and proactive attitude. Being chatty helps and being a good listener is a necessity.”

Care companies such as Active Assistance (activeassistance.com) and Origin Care (origincare.com), which both offer support to people with spinal injuries, give carers all the necessary training from scratch. As do others such as Helping Hands (hhjobs.co.uk), which specialises in care for elderly people.

Live-in care companies such as Helping Hands (hhjobs.co.uk) and Christies Care (christiescare.com) provide training on areas like nutrition, medication and disability awareness so carers are fully equipped for their fi rst day on the new job.

Carers working with children or vulnerable adults will need to


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have a criminal records check. For any time spent in the UK, a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check is what you need. You’ll also need

to be cleared from your home country. See homeoffi ce.gov.uk/agencies-public-bodies/crb for more information. Criminal record checks will take time so get this done early.

UP YOUR CHANCESIf fi nding work is tricky at fi rst, volunteer in the social care fi eld if you can. This

can help you get experience and you never know, it might lead to a job. Look on the Community Service Volunteers job board (csv.org.uk/volunteering) or search through the national database of volunteer opportunities in the UK for more

(do-it.org.uk).

Nannying opportunities

YOUR OPTIONSTo avoid the hassle of fi nding a decent family to work for, it’s best to sign up with a nanny agency.

They can negotiate on pay, holiday and hours for you, says Laura Becker from The Baby Works nanny agency

(thebabyworks online.co.uk), so it’s well worth joining one.The main types of nannying job are: • Live-in nannying• Live-out nannying

• After school nannies• Holiday nannies – these look after the children when they are on school holidays.• Ad hoc nannies – they look after children as and when they are needed, like when parents are on a business trip. They can be called out at the last minute.• Proxy parenting – a nanny takes 24-hour responsibility for a child while their parents aren’t around.

WHAT SKILLS DO YOU NEED?You don’t need formal training to be a nanny but people with a diploma in childcare, a nannying certifi cate, degree in education or experience working with children are favoured.

As with caring, police checks are needed, along with good references. You might also need a clean driving licence and a fi rst aid certifi cate is desirabe too.

Nannies working in Ireland will need Garda clearance.

UP YOUR CHANCESThe best time to look for work is in the summer, because the kids are out of school, or after Christmas as people wait until then to quit or change jobs.

SALARY Live in carers can earn around £400-£500 per week and carers in the community can get up to £9.10 per hour.TRAINING No prior training needed – it’s provided by care companies when you start.LOCATION Anywhere.HOURS Shifts can be at any time of day or night, and live-in carers provide round-the-clock care at times.PACKAGE Live-in carers have their accommodation and often food provided.

CARING

SALARY Nannies can earn £250-£350 a week if they live in or £400 if they live out, depending on experience. Live out nannies get an hourly rate.TRAINING A qualifi cation in childcare, education or nannying would help but isn’t necessary.LOCATION Anywhere.HOURS Full-time, live-in nannies often work around 10 hours a day.PACKAGE Live-in nannies have their accommodation and food provided.

NANNYING

Caring: it’s a rewarding job

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If you think working in an admin job would be dull, think again. The possibilities of freedom, fl exibility and variety are as expansive as the options for positions. Offi ce support roles allow you to explore a whole variety of sectors.

What’s available?

The good news for job-seekers is the demand for offi ce workers barely ceases. Rebecca Siciliano, who heads the temporary division at Tiger Recruitment in London, says: “We most regularly receive requests for receptionists, team administrators, personal assistants and general offi ce administration staff.”

Property, asset management and fi nance team secretaries are also in demand. The fi eld can be competitive, but as long as your computer skills are

A personal touchHere, we give you the lowdown about working in office administration


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in tip-top shape, a job can be straightforward to fi nd. “Proven experience in secretarial roles including PA and reception positions is essential, as is having core skills such as a good typing speed, a solid grasp of MS Offi ce packages and the ability to pick up new systems quickly, fl exibility and confi dence,” she says.

Finally, this is an industry where appearance is important, so don respectable, corporate wear.

Skills needed

London is brimming with jet-setting bosses, which means travel coordination and diary management are two sought-after skills in applicants.

In addition, audio transcription skills are still in demand. Companies will also expect you to be able to type a minimum of 45-plus words per minute. If your

Smile: a professional and cheery character is highly desirable

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skills aren’t up to scratch, take an online course to improve speed and profi ciency in programs such as Excel or PowerPoint.

How to fi nd work

Signing up with a recruitment agency is probably your best bet. But the fi eld is competitive, so you should also be proactive and make

TEMPORARY VS PERMANENT

Temping: Admin work is often temporary, so a great option for keen travellers who fancy making jaunts in between jobs – and avoiding hiked-up weekend airfares. Recruiter Rebecca Siciliano adds: “It can be a good way to fi nd out about different types of businesses and industries, and exposure to an area that you hadn’t previously considered.”

Going permanent: Becoming a part of the offi ce furniture as a permanent is great for stability and to ensure there’s a steady stream of income. Temporary roles can, and quite often do lead to permanent placements.

WHAT YOU CAN EARN• Executive assistant

Annually: £35k-£45kTemping per hour: £16-£18

• Offi ce managerAnnually: £30k-£45kTemping per hour: £15-£18

• Personal assistant Annually: £30k-£40k Temping per hour: £15-£17

• Senior administratorAnnually: £23k-£28kTemping per hour: £14-£16

• Trading fl oor secretary Annually: £35k-£45k Temping per hour: £15-£19

• Bilingual secretaryAnnually: £32k-£40k Temping per hour: £15-£17

• Project coordinator Annually: £28k-£35k Temping per hour: £15-£19

• Junior secretaryAnnually: £24k-£28k Temping per hour: £12-£14

• Junior administratorAnnually: £20k-£25k Temping per hour: £10-£12

• Data entry operator Annually: £18k-£23k Temping per hour: £10-£12

• Receptionist Annually: £20k-£26k Temping per hour: £10-£12

SOURCE: Robert Walters

sure you take time to search for jobs on your own.

Use online resources as well. Websites such as LinkedIn and even Twitter post jobs that you might not fi nd otherwise.

If you pick up temporary work, maximise the opportunity for networking. You’re in a great position to make contacts.

See tiger-recruitment.co.uk; secretariesplus.co.uk, rosshumandirections.com

Network: admin is a great way to make contacts

On the ball: organisation is a must

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There are many Australians, Kiwis and South Africans who work in bars, pubs and restaurants, if not just short-term for a bit of extra income, then for the whole duration of their stay. Not only does the hospitality industry suit travellers seeking casual work, it also attracts hard workers who enjoy being around enthusiastic people.

Finding a job

This industry is something of an anomaly because, unlike most jobs, you’re unlikely to fi nd the majority of vacancies online (see tntjobs.co.uk). However, there’s no substitute for walking into a bar or eatery,

Dishing up the goodsYou want to come to London to explore and meet people, right? Working in hospitality is not only flexible, but is one of the most social jobs you’ll find


TNTMAGAZINE.COM80

introducing yourself and asking if they have any work. That’s what Vana Unn, from Sydney, did.

“I live down the road from a bar so had often walked past it and thought it looked pretty cool,” says the 23-year-old, who works at The Living Room in central London. “One day, I had been for a haircut and colour, so I was feeling really confi dent. I decided to just walk in there and ask for a job. I had an interview straight away and got the position.”

When job-hunting, also try cold-calling catering fi rms, especially ahead of big events, such as the summer race season, and expect to fi nd plenty of short-term jobs in the run-up to Christmas.

Smile and serve: waiting is a tasty job

››

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Work in stadiums, music festivals, palaces, private homes and historic buildings in and around London.

Also recruiting for the Olympics and major cricket grounds.

Create buffet, canapé receptions and lavish banquets for a large range of clients - from awards ceremonies to fi lm premieres to Royal receptions

£9 - £15 per hour / £150 - £400 per day depending on grade

CHEF DE PARTIES AND ABOVE REQUIRED FOR ONGOINGCASUAL WORK FOR THE SPRING/SUMMER AND BEYOND

Chefs Needed for Music Tours and Music Festivals - VIP Stadium Backstage Catering / Event Caterers / 4-5 Star Hotels / Restaurants

Work as much or as little as you want; for as long as you want to!Weekly / Monthly / Daily basis

Predominately Monday to Friday 8am-6pm,with functions 2-3 times a week, evenings or weekends

ALSO RECRUITING FOR THE LONDON OLYMPICS 2012 AND THE 2012 INTERNATIONAL CRICKET SEASON


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Professional Chef de Parties required

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£9.00-£12.50 p/h. Weekly pay, fl exible hours, 7 days p/w.

CV, Qual, Passport, Hyg Cert ess.

Tel: 0208 946 6342 or 0208 944 1609 Email: [email protected] (Agy)

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Call us on +44 (0)20 7630 0545 or visit our websitewww.lumleyscooks.co.uk

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JOBS IN THE REAL LONDON

Gallowglass crewing is offering applicants a chance to experience the places in London that others may never get the chance to see. You could find yourself working at some of the UK’s most famous venues and at the stunning new Olympic sites, whilst enjoying the kudos of working for a company that is a world leader in its field.

Gallowglass, Europe’s leading crewing company serving event & media related industries are looking for physically strong, fit, ambitious, good humoured, presentable, and conscientious team players to join our crew for 2012. This is an opportunity to gain new qualifications whilst having fun and earning very decent money!

However qualifications are not vital as our in house training will bring you up to our industry renowned high standards, but we are particularly looking for candidates with driver’s licences, for forklift, cherry picker, scissor lift MEWP licences, and those with trade skills such as electricians and carpenters.

If you are interested in joining our award winning team then please apply on our website www.gallowlass.co.uk or send your CV to [email protected].

PHOTOGRAPHY & DIGITAL SERVICES LTD

DO YOU HAVE QUALITY PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPERIENCE? Location: London Salary: On ApplicationWe are always looking for experienced freelance Commercial Retouchers and occasionally Junior Stylists & Photographic assistants. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience working on commercial photography in a busy studio environment. Applicants must have advanced Photoshop knowlege and be Apple Mac literate. Experience using Capture One would be an advantage. All applicants should have the relevant work permits and visas where applicable to work in the UK before applying. If you have the above requirements send a covering note saying a little about yourself with your CV to:

Tony - [email protected]

Digital Media Company specialising in high volume commercial photography and photographic retouching. We retouch images for a major high street retailer, which are used for in-store advertising, catalogues, and online media.



TNTMAGAZINE.COM 83

The work

Listen to the chatter in bars and restaurants around the UK; the southern Hemisphere accent really cuts through, such is the number of them working in the industry.

Waiting and other front-of-house positions are usually widely available, and there are also plenty of jobs to land in the kitchen – many a chef has made their mark here. But the bonus for waiters is supplementing wages with tips.

This is an industry where turnover is high, so don’t give up if you don’t get a job straight away. It’s a numbers game, so you’ll land something in no time.

The pay

Along with retail, the hospitality industry is one of the lowest paying. The minimum wage is £4.98 for 18-21-year-olds and £6.08 for those aged 21 and over.

That might seem a bit tight, but you’ll fi nd the tips more than make up for it – this alone is an incentive to not only be good at your job, but to be extra friendly to customers.

Also check whether the job has any perks. Many hospitality jobs, mostly outside of London, include accommodation and food. It’ll save you a packet.

Further up the ladder, assistant managers can command a salary between £17,000 to £22,000 a year; and managers can earn from £20,000 to £35,000 a year, depending on the company and position.

Qualifi cations

Firstly, if you want a management role, or to be responsible for selling alcohol, you’ll need a

personal licence, known offi cially as a National Certifi cate for Personal Licence Holders or (NCPLH) Level 2. This involves partaking in a licensing law course and sitting an exam. You can fi nd various organisations online that

offer the course (see dcms.gov.uk for more details).

Equally, anyone wanting to work in a kitchen must have basic food and hygiene and health and safety qualifi cations under their belt. If you’re waiting tables, you don’t need any

qualifi cations, but experience is helpful. In fact, some employers prefer this.

Training courses

A recruitment and training company such as Kubaba (kubaba.co.uk) can provide training courses for anyone who want to gain extra qualifi cations. Kubaba

rerepresentative Emine San says antipodeans and South Africans have the added advantage of being fl uent in English – important for front-of-house positions.

“Coming from a native English speaking country will gain extra points for job applicants,” she says.

Convinced?

Bar worker Unn, who came from an offi ce environment in Australia, has found it “refreshing not to be stuck behind a desk fi ve days a week”.

She adds: “The social aspect is defi nitely the best part of working in this industry. I’m making new friends and getting to know the locals. Plus, getting hit on at least once a night isn’t bad!” ❚

Pulling beers: You’ll get to meet the locals

CODE OF PRACTICEThe British Hospitality Association has published a voluntary code of practice on service charges, in an effort to make things more clear for both customers and employees. The guide urges restaurants, including those inside hotels, to disclose to customers exactly how they manage their discretionary service charges and non-cash tips.

Bonus: the tips can be good

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Studying can be a great thing to do when you fi rst move to a new country – you’ll be making new friends on your course and you’ll also be learning new skills to increase your embloyability. But what’s available in the capitial? There are plenty of full-time courses you can totally immerse yourself in or you could pick a part-time course to fi t around your job.

For full-time courses apply in plenty of advance – most university-level ones will have application deadlines months before the course start date. Short-term courses can be picked up depending on availability at shorter notice.

Medical & Health

If you fancy yourself in a white coat, apply to do a degree in medicine and come out with Doctor at the

Learning curveUp your chances of getting a job by taking a course. Here’s our round up of what to study in London and where WORDS CLARE VOOGHT


TNTMAGAZINE.COM84

start of your name at King’s College. The prestigious university’s med school is one of the country’s biggest and oldest. London Metropolitan University (londonmet.ac.uk) has launched a new medical degree.

City University (city.ac.uk) offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in nursing, radiography, biomedical engineering and medical ultrasound.

If you’re more of a gym bunny than a lifesaver, on the health and fi tness side of things you can take full-time and distance learning courses at Discovery UK (discovery.uk.com). They specialise in personal training and nutrition.

Numbers and fi gures

Demand is high for qualifi ed accountants right now, so it’s a savvy decision for number crunchers to do an

Taking a course is a great way to up your employability

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accountancy course. London College of Accountancy (londoncollege.org) offers degree level and professional courses in accountancy and fi nance, as does the London School of Accountancy and Management (londonsam.org.uk).

Language

If you fancy picking up some new lingo skills to impress with on your travels, then Language Courses UK (languagecoursesuk.co.uk) offer part-time foreign language classes in 20 different locations across London. They offer a host of courses, from Italian to Farsi with French, Thai, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Italian, Swedish, Arabic, Turkish and Japanese in between.

If you see your language learning becoming a little bit more serious, universities to look at in London for full-time courses are

SOAS for Oriental languages or UCL for European languages.

Or take a TEFL course, which will allow you take your English teaching skills anywhere in the world – that should help you fund a few more trips. TNT offers two-day TEFL courses from around £150. Visit tntmagazine.com for more information on TEFL, plus foreign language courses.

Sciences

For science degrees, Imperial College in Knightsbridge (imperial.ac.uk) offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in natural sciences plus engineering, aeronautics, bioengineering, chemical engineering and chemical technology.

The Open University (open.ac.uk) offers scientifi c degrees on a distance-learning basis (alongside a host of other subjects). It also allows students to study in 40 countries, so you can get a head start before you make the move.

The arts

Goldsmiths (gold.ac.uk) and Camberwell College of the Arts are probably the artiest universities you’ll fi nd in London, so head to either of those for courses in art, design and music.

IT & computing

Having the right computer skills for a job is essential, so if yours are rusty, this is a highly valuable area to brush up on. IT and computing courses range from simple Microsoft Offi ce training to full-on programming or web design. There are lots out there, so you will defi nitely fi nd something to suit your needs.

Kensington College (kensingtoncollege.co.uk)offers a range of computing courses or you can get courses to work through from home from Learn Direct (learndirect.co.uk).

• People in the UK on student visas are only allowed to work 20 hours a week during term time.

• But to get a visa, students must be able to meet the fees of the course, plus their accommodation and living costs without working.

• Rules on going home after your studies have tightened, so make sure you make it clear you’re planning on returning when applying.

• You must have been accepted onto a course in the UK before applying for a student visa. If you haven’t, you can apply for entry as a prospective student.

• You must apply for a student visa from your home country, or you can apply from the UK to switch visa categories.

UK STUDENT VISA RULES

London Metropolitan University also has several undergraduate and postgraduate computing courses, plus more practical courses like business computing.

Practical courses

Fancy something a bit more hands-on? London has lots of practical courses to offer too, from plumbing to beauty.

OLCI offer courses in plumbing, gas and electrics from their central London training centre – and there’s always a demand for that type of work. Plus they also teach courses on renewable energy, bricklaying and plastering, which are all transferrable skills you can use in other countries.

The London School of Beauty & Make Up (lond-est.com) offers part-time and evening make-up artistry and beauty courses, so you can fi t classes around your job.Hit the books and learn a new skill

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tntMagazine.coM86

www.scanbaltexperience.com

Scanbalt offer fun and inexpensive tours for adventurous travellers who want to experience unique

culture and stunning nature in Scandinavia and the Baltics including Lapland in winter.

TRAVELlike us on facebook/tntmagazine

TNTMAGAZINE.COM 87

London is so close to mainland Europe that you’d be a fool not to check out the continent while you’re here. Cheap fl ights to most cities are on offer every week, and you can scoop up some great accommodation deals at the same time. The sights, smells, sounds and tastes of so many different cultures are ready and waiting for you to explore. Here’s how to discover them.

On the road

There’s nothing more adventurous than a good old-fashioned road trip. One option is joining the annual van tour, which isn’t an organised tour but basically a bunch of vans full of party-loving young people (many of them antipodeans) following the same route around Europe and meeting up along the way.

Because most people on van tours are up for

Exploring EuropeThe continent is calling. Here we give you the lowdown on the best ways to get across the Channel to do some European exploring

having a good time, major summer festivals around Europe are the main stops. It all unoffi cially kicks off at the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain, in July, and ends at Munich’s Oktoberfest in September.

However, if you want to see Europe at a more leisurely pace, buy a van, grab a handful of like-minded mates, and follow your own route.

You’ll fi nd plenty of second-hand camper vans for sale in London, and once you have your own home-away-from-home, you can pack up and hit the road whenever you like.

The best time to buy a vehicle is at the end of the previous van tour season in October – many vehicles will already be decked out with beds, camping gear, a stove and cooking utensils.

Expect to pay about £2000 for a roadworthy

Road trip: grab a group of friends and head off

››

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TRAVEL follow us on @tntmagazine

TNTMAGAZINE.COM88

set of wheels, more if you’re buying from a used car dealer – though the plus side is that your van will come with a warranty.

Remember the costs of running a vehicle mount up long after the initial outlay. As well as forking out for road tax, you’ll also need an annual MOT (roadworthy) certifi cate for any vehicle more than three years old.

Think about the equipment you’re going to need: spare tyre, jack, basic tools, a stove, bedding ... again, being prepared before you leave is easier than hunting down essentials on the road.

Renting a vehicle can be more cost effective, especially if you can split the fee with some mates.

As for a licence, you can legally drive in Europe using your home licence for one year, after which you must give it up and apply for a UK version. You don’t need to take another test, but you will need to pay a fee. See dvla.gov.uk

Cheap fl ights

Hundreds of bargain fl ights to cities all over Europe take off daily from London’s fi ve major airports.

The main budget carriers are easyJet and Ryanair, but your best bet is to Google ‘cheap fl ights’ and go from there. Often you can get hotel and car hire discounts thrown in as part of the deal. Remember to read the small print. Often the prices of cheap fl ights are boosted by checked bags, insurance and priority charges, which you can choose not to pay for.

Keep in mind the timing of your trip when booking your fl ights. Air ticket prices vary depending on the season, date and time of day.

Usually fl ights are more expensive during school holidays, festival times and ski season, when the airlines are busy. Tickets can also be pricier for weekend travel when working people get some time

out to go away. It pays to be fl exible with the timing of your fl ights. The ideal days for fl ying from London are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

InteRail passes

With an InterRail pass you have the option of exploring 30 countries by rail with the classic Global Pass starting from £169.

The pass is valid for Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK.

The InterRail One Country Pass is your best choice if you only want to visit one European country by train. This starts at £34.

InterRail also entitles you to cheaper ferry fares, such as from Italy to Greece. See interrailnet.com

Eurostar

With core train services from London to Brussels, Disneyland Paris, Paris, Lille and Avignon, Eurostar can connect you to more than 100 places in Europe.

If you’re into skiing or boarding, hop on the Eurostar ski train at London’s St Pancras International, and be whisked off direct to the winter resorts of Moûtiers, Aime-la-Plagne or Bourg-St-Maurice.

You can travel on the Eurostar ski train either during the day or night – daytime offers stunning views from your seat, while if you take the overnight train you’ll arrive bright and early at your destination, with more time on the slopes.

See eurostar.com ❚

Head off on a van tour

Eurostar at St Pancras

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TNTMAGAZINE.COM 89

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GETTING THEREThe main airport is

Leonardo da Vinci. Jump on the Leonardo Express for €14 (about £12) to the city centre. Note that Ciampino airport is used by some budget carriers.

It’s clear why Rome wasn’t built in a day – there’s just too much damn stuff crammed in. As if wandering the world’s greatest open-air museum wasn’t enough, dodging zippy Vespas, taking on stomach-stretching piles of pasta, and fl irting with stylish espresso-sluggers will leave you breathless.

Headline attraction

The world-renowned Colosseum is the Italian capital’s most iconic landmark. The amphitheatre was completed in 80AD and seated about 50,000 spectators, who came to see the blood and gore fl ow in gladiatorial contests. Missing this would be like skipping out on the Eiffel Tower.

Roman HolidayBuckle up – the Italian capital lives life in the fast lane. We whizz around world-class ancient sights before making the hardest decision: pizza or pasta?


TNTMAGAZINE.COM92

Best of the rest

Other iconic Roman sites include the Pantheon, an ancient temple built to honour the gods of Rome in AD126; the baroque Trevi Fountain (toss in two

The Trevi fountain: where you might fall for a local

ITALY

ROME

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coins and legend has it you’ll fall in love with an Italian); and the Spanish Steps, the widest and longest staircase in Europe with a knee-knackering 138 steps.

Dare to be square

No other Italian city does public squares, known as piazzas, like Rome. Don’t miss the incredible Piazza Navona. It’s home to the masterpiece Fountain of the Four Rivers, featuring an Egyptian obelisk and renderings of river gods.

Foodie fi nds

Pizza in Rome is delightfully thin and crunchy; try the potato and rosemary pizza, a Roman specialty. Grab a slice from Forno di Campo de’ Fiori (Campo de’ Fiori 22). Pasta fans should also take note that Thursday in the Eternal City is gnocchi day. Make sure you wash it all down with frascati, the Roman white wine.

Gelato time

Romans also love their gelato: Italian ice-cream with – hurrah! – a lower fat content. Get your fi ll at La Fonte della Salute in the Trastevere neighbourhood (Via Cardinal Marmaggi); or Gellateria della Palma (Via della Maddalena, around the corner from the Pantheon).

Ruin it

Travel back in time and take in the ruins – some built as far back as 7BC

– at the Roman Forum, the heart of Ancient Rome. Don’t miss the stone where Julius Caesar was laid after his fatal stab to the back.

In the green

Spend some time, or a whole day, in Rome’s green lung, the Villa Borghese, one of the most elegant gardens in all of Europe. It’s the perfect place for a picnic on a lazy summer day, and it’s also home to a couple of excellent museums, including the Galleria Borghese, a collection of sculptures and mosaics from the 15th to 18th centuries.

Rome by Vespa

See the city like a local and hire a scooter from Bici & Baci (bicibaci.com). Parking for scooters is free,

so you can whizz past crowds of tourists to reach the city’s sights quicker, and leave your wheels outside at no extra cost.

Out of town

You’ll need a full day to explore Vatican City, from the mighty St Peter’s Basilica and Square to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Get there early as the crowds will be sizeable, and ladies: cover your shoulders, otherwise you’ll be turned away. Take a peek up at the Pope’s bedroom window from the main piazza, or attend his weekly blessing ceremony on a Wednesday.

WHEN TO GO: Rome is a year-round destination, but July and August can be unpleasantly hot and sticky.CURRENCY: £1 = €1.16ACCOMMODATION: Dorm beds from about £11; private rooms from about £17.GETTING AROUND: Buses, trams, the metro and trains use the same tickets. These must be bought at nearby shops before boarding and then validated. Only use offi cial yellow or white taxis.SEE: rome.info

The Vatican Museum[Caption]Gelato

Colosseum

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GETTING THEREBritish Airways, easyJet,

Ryanair, Iberia and Monarch fl y direct to Barcelona from £40 return. When you arrive at El Prat, take the Aerobus into town (€5.30 £4.50) single) or the RENFE train (€3.15 £2.70) that links with the metro. Girona Airport, 100km away, is used by some budget airlines

Barcelona is a seriously hip city where you’ll fi nd art, music and fi lm events going on all the time. Festivities peak with the Festes de la Mercè in September, when the streets are fi lled with giant puppets, and Sonar, a mind-bending weekend of electro music. Between partying, you can wonder at Barcelona’s bizarre Gaudi architecture.

Festival city

People fl ock from all over the world to join the party-loving residents of Barcelona in their busy annual calendar of festivals. On Jan 6, the city explodes with fi reworks for Dia de Reyes; Carnival kicks off on Feb 16, celebrated with enthusiasm by the city’s gay community; indie-fest Primavera begins on May 30; on June 14, 80,000 people descend for Sonar festival carnage; then, on Sep 22, Festes de la Mercè sees

Big time BarcelonaBarcelona is a party-loving city and festivals take place all year round. But make sure you save some energy for a cava tour and a trip up Montserrat


TNTMAGAZINE.COM94

the city fi lled with giant papier-mâché puppets and fi re-breathing dragons and devils. Barcelonans are friendly, so expect to feel part of the buzz.

Beauty or the beast?

Antoni Gaudí’s is possibly the craziest architecture you’ll see. From the mermaid’s palace of Casa Batlló

Party city: laze on the beaches then explore the city centre

SPAIN

MADRIDBarcelona

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to the magic of Parc Güell, it’s an essential part of the Barcelona experience. The unfi nished Sagrada Familia is both beautiful and hideous with its molten wax-like fi gures and spires. Don’t miss La Pedrera, a Gaudi apartment block with a roof terrace.

Tapas time

Wander along the famous La Rambla boulevard, choc full of markets, cafes, stalls and colourful characters. It’s touristy but, nonetheless, something story-worthy is bound to happen as the famous street attracts a weird and wonderful selection of humanity. Tapas time

Eating small plates of Spanish delicacies is part of Spanish culture, and there are loads of tapas bars in Barcelona, particularly in the Barri Gòtic area just off La Rambla. Try calamares a la Romana (deep-fried calamari), patatas bravas (fried potatoes), chipirones (baby squid) and albóndigas (meatballs). Wash it all down with a glass of Sangria – Spain’s traditional fruity wine punch.

Music to your ears

Catch some live music at Razzmatazz, Apolo, Sidecar or Bikini. For something classical, try the Gran Teatre del Liceu. If you’re not brave enough to take fl amenco lessons then at least check out the traditional dance as a spectator. There are numerous Flamenco bars in Barcelona. El Tablao de Carmen is popular but you won’t be the only tourist.

Park life

Hungover? Have a walk in the beautiful Teatre Grec gardens around the impressive Fundació Joan Miró museum, then go inside to goggle at a huge collection of paintings and sculptures by the Spanish surrealist and other artists. If you’re feeling more hearty, climb Montjuïic, just outside the town, for amazing views of the sea.

Shopathon

For interesting one-offs, head to the Barri Gòtic where young designers have their boutiques, and you might fi nd a treasure. El Raval is also good for independent shops. If you’re after Zara or Mango

discounts, however, then get yourself to Plaça Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia or Diagonal.

The cava trail

If you feel as though you’ve ticked off the sights of Barcelona, take a trip to nearby Montserrat, the monastery-peaked mountain that towers over Catalonia. The region is famous for its wine and champagne and there are a number of tours you can book from the city, thus avoiding having to drive or stay sober. Take part in a tasting session at the Freixenet or Codorniu winery and get happy. ❚

WHEN TO GO: There are things happening all year round, but the weather is particularly pleasant in spring and autumn.CURRENCY: Euro. 1 GBP = 1.16 EUR.ACCOMMODATION: Dorm beds from €15 (£13). Private hotel rooms from €24 (£20).SEE: barcelonaturisme.com.

You’ll see plenty of Gaudi architecture

High life: Montjuic mountain

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GETTING THERE Berlin’s main

international airport is Tegel, but most low-cost airlines fl y into Schönefeld.

A recent explosion in edgy fashion, art, design and music has cemented Berlin as the European capital of cultural cool. Nowadays, hipsters from far and wide descend on the Deutsch city to compare haircuts over a coffee and indulge in electro-fuelled hedonism.

But there’s more to Berlin than donning a vintage blazer and a pair of skinnies and striking a pose. In the 21 years since the wall came down, Berlin has been re-energised to the extent that it is now one of the most sought-after city breaks in Europe. Here, we’ll tell you why.

Headline attraction

While Berlin has moved on, the city’s Cold War history is too important to ignore. There are some remnants of the wall around town. The East Side Gallery

Big in BerlinThe German capital has reinvented itself as a buzzing hipster haven. Find out where to see and be seen with our guide to the best in cutting-edge cool


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(eastsidegallery.com) is a stretch which has been transformed by street artists. Checkpoint Charlie, once a gateway between East and West, is now home to a fascinating museum (mauermuseum.de) documenting the attempts of East Berliners to escape to the West. To appreciate the full horror of the Soviet-occupied

Squats-turned-artist enclaves/ underground clubs/ cafes are all the rage

GERMANY

BERLIN

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German Democratic Republic’s repressive Ministry for State Security (the Stasi), check out the Stasi Museum (stasimuseum.de), or visit the Stasi Prison (en.stiftung-hsh.de).

Best of the rest

Try the Museum of Contemporary Art in the former Hamburger Bahnhof (hamburgerbahnhof.de). For an overview of Jewish life in Germany check out the Juedisches Museum (jmberlin.de), and visit the moving Holocaust Memorial. For something a bit different, take a tour in a Trabant – the famously unreliable East German car that has won an ironic place in people’s hearts; a symbol for the failure of communist East Germany (trabi-safari.de).

Alternative Berlin

Make sure you don’t miss the free Alternative Berlin tour. Your guide will take you to artist squats, multicultural neighbourhoods, and cultural landmarks such as the Eastside gallery. The tour departs daily from Alexanderplatz TV tower (alternativeberlin.com).

Long night of museums

The best time to get your culture vulture on is the annual Long Night of Museums, this year taking place on January 28. More than 100 museums and institutions in the city open their doors from 6pm until 2am, adding an edge to your culturally curious wanderings, and including concerts, readings, theatrics and parties (berlin.de).

Snap happy

Get clicking at the Reichstag (bundestag.de), home to the German Parliament with its stunning modern glass cupola, or dome. The equally photogenic Brandenburg Gate is within walking distance.

Dare to be square

Two vast squares, Alexanderplatz and Potsdamer Platz, provide a good way of getting your bearings. The former was the centre of the East German sector

and is home to the TV Tower built to celebrate the glories of communism. Potsdamer Platz is now the modern centre of Berlin.

Foodie fi nds

German food is good winter-warming fare – pork knuckle with potato dumplings and sauerkraut has to be sampled, and is best paired with a local brew. Also try Berlin’s famous currywurst, a

plump sausage served with curry. All porked out? The city’s multiculturalism ensures you’ll also be able to eat your fi ll of Turkish, Vietnamese and Lebanese dishes.

On the town

Those with a boho bent should head to the funky clubs of the former East Berlin suburb of Friedrichshain. Closely associated with the squat scene of 1989-90, its former squats now offer up everything from cool cafes and cheap bars to trendy book clubs and underground parties. See stressfaktor.squat.net. The Turkish suburb of Kreuzberg is also home to some edgy nightlife. Like your scene a bit racier? Often touted as the world’s best club, Berghain is a fetish-techno club set in a former power plant behind the Berlin Ostbahnhof railway station (berghain.de). ❚

WHEN TO GO: Any time, but be warned that it’s very cold from November to February.CURRENCY: £1 = €1.16ACCOMMODATION: For quirky-cool, try Ostel: The GDR Design Hostel (ostel.eu); dorm beds from around £13pn. If you’re after a party hostel, A&O Berlin am Zoo (aohostels.com) should do the trick; dorm beds from £10pn.GETTING AROUND: With a choice of S-bahn (train), U-Bahn (underground), trams and buses, you won’t need to walk far.SEE: berlin.de

The Communist TV Tower

Berlin: capital of cool

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GETTING THEREYou can fl y from London

to Split (with easyJet from £32.99 one way) or Dubrovnik (with BA from £125 one way). Once there, an organised tour is easiest, see tntmagazine.com

Croatia is renowned for having some of the most beautiful, untouched coastline in Europe. Form a group with your friends (or meet new ones aboard) and relax as you meander the gorgeous waters of this striking country.

Prepare to fi nd secluded bays, tiny islands and coves hidden in the sparkling blue of the Adriatic. A sailing adventure in Croatia is the perfect opportunity to sample the individual culture of each island and its people. During the day, you’ll stop off at bays for a swim, while in the evening, you’ll visit historic ports to dine on fresh seafood.

Make sure you visit these islands:

Markarska

Tucked under the huge peaks of the Biokovo

Coast with the mostSail away around the beautiful islands of Croatia. Stunning scenery, limitless fun and a group of up-for-it travellers – where could be better?


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mountain range, Makarska has one of the most attractive coastlines on the Dalmatian coast. Mt Jure is the highest seaside peak on the Mediterranean. Stroll along the quaint ancient streets, explore historical churches and other exquisite architectural and cultural sights.

Living the dream: life’s beautiful in Croatia

CROATIA

Split

Dubrovnik

BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA

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Dubrovnik

This is one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia – its old town could have been lifted straight out of a medieval storybook. A leisurely walk around Dubrovnik’s famous walls offers amazing views from all angles: from the vistas over the red-bricked roofs and church spires to the panorama of the shimmering Adriatic and the mountains above the town.

Hvar

Hvar encapsulates all that’s great about the Mediterranean: pretty marble and lush vineyards, palm trees lining the shore and the fortress overlooking it all. The view from Hvar Town, the harbour and the Pakleni Islands is sublime, particularly at sunset – and, if you came to party, you won’t leave disappointed.

Korcula

There’s no public transport on this beautiful island, but its quaint old town, boasting superb Renaissance and Gothic buildings, is small enough to stroll around. The pick of the attractions is Bar Massimo, which has al fresco seating atop an old tower. It’s accessible by a steep ladder, and the cocktails (40 kuna/ £5) are hauled

up from the bar below on a pulley system. Get there before sunset to get a seat and soak up the million-dollar view.

Split

It’s easy to get lost in Split, such is its tangled web of streets, but it’s also a place where relaxation comes easily. Head along the refurbished harbourside promenade and take your pick of cafes to sit and watch the world go by. If you’d prefer a coffee or beer among locals rather than tourists, head to Teak Café in the north-east corner of the palace. Or for serious boozing and partying, there are numerous heaving bars in the south-east corner.

Mljet

Explore the natural salt lakes in the national park and unwind with the sun and sea on this peaceful island, of which some 72 per cent is forest. You can visit the little isle of St Mary, in the middle of the large lake. It has an ancient Benedictine monastery, an old abbey and church dating from the 12th century. Alternatively, hire a small boat, kayak, bicycle, scooter or cabriolet to explore the park independently. ❚

WHEN TO GO: The sailing season is from April to September. Public transport, including ferries, is good, so it’s feasible to see the coast and islands independently although an organised tour will eliminate all the hassle for you.CURRENCY: Croatian Kuna. 1 GBP = 8.7 kunaACCOMMODATION: A hotel double in Dubrovnik starts at 100HRK (£11) but you’ll want to see the country via sailing boat.SEE: croatia.hr

Dive in to Croatia

Picture-prefect: Dubrovnik Unwind in Korcula and (above) Hvar

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GETTING THEREThe major airports are

Roissy-Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Eurostar (eurostar.com) trains from St Pancras take just over two hours to Gare du Nord.

Of course you’ll want to see the tourist attractions while visiting this stunning city, but make sure you venture off the beaten track as Paris has more to offer than its arrogant residents and high-street style. There’s a buzzy music and arts scene, eclectic nightlife and off-beat shopping to be had.

Be a tourist

Don your most comfy walking shoes and hang your camera around your neck – you’re going sight-seeing, Paris style. First, head to the Eiffel Tower. The view from the top is breathtaking – on a clear day you can see for 40 miles. They don’t call this the city of romance for nothing – you’re more likely to see a man go down on a bended knee to pop the question here than any other

Parisian getawayThe City of Love: stylish and cultured but also snobby, the French capital has a reputation that can’t be ignored. But Paris is more than its stereotypes


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place on Earth. At night, 20,000 lightbulbs illuminate the tower for fi ve minutes every hour creating a magical spectacle even the love-cynic can enjoy. The queues to buy tickets and climb to the top are long, but you can book ahead at tour-eiffel.fr.

FRANCE

PARIS

Be a tourist: make sure you visit the Eiffel Tower

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Hit the road

Take a stroll along the beautiful river Seine. Every summer, “beaches” – with sand, parasols, games and cafes – are set up on stretches of the Seine. Between February and November, cruise along the Seine on a hop-on, hop-off boat. Get your camera ready for shots along the way of the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay and Notre Dame cathedral. Also worth a stroll is the once bohemian, now posh Latin Quarter – home to the Sorbonne university and streets of chic boutiques.

Day at the museums

The Louvre is the most visited art museum in the world – it’s also one of the biggest, with some 35,000 objects from prehistory to the 19th century. There’ll be a crowd around the Mona Lisa, so have a quick look, then get lost in the original courtyards of this 12th century, former palace. Fans of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code can buy an audio guide explaining the links between the book and the museum, which opened in 1793. For another culture fi x, head to the Musée d’Orsay. It is best known for its vast collection of impressionist and post-impressionist masterpieces by renowned painters including Monet and Van Gogh.

Spend, spend, spend

To part with your hard-earned cash quickly, the Champs-Élysées is lined with designer retailers, such as Louis Vuitton, where you often have to queue just to get in. However, for more realistic prices, head to Le Marais, the historical centre of Paris’s Jewish and gay communities, where you’ll fi nd vintage bargains. And the Saint-Ouen fl ea market is great for one-off fi nds.

WHEN TO GO: Paris is great to visit at any time of year.CURRENCY: Euro. 1 GBP = 1.17 EURACCOMMODATION: Dorm rooms from €16 (£14). Private rooms from €23 (£20).GETTING AROUND: ParisVisite tickets can be used on the Metro and bus networks, the city’s trams, and SNCF trains.VISAS: South Africans need a Schengen visa. Australians and New Zealanders don’t need a visa.SEE: parisinfo.com

Snap happy

At the end of the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe is the world’s most famous roundabout. Built as a monument to fallen soldiers of the Napoleonic Wars, it’s another icon of Paris. Sacré-Coeur Basilica, at the summit of Montmarte Hill, 130m high, is the highest point in Paris, so prepare for stunning views.

Gay Paree!

As the centre of the Belle Epoque, and home to the Moulin Rouge, Paris does partying with a twist. Head to the up-and-coming Bastille area for an array of edgy bars, clubs, live music venues and cafes galore. For an authentic night out, venture to the Oberkampf district, which is popular with the trendy Parisian crowd, for its selection

of sleazy cafes as well as its lively bars. ❚

[Caption]

Notre Dame Cathedral

Most-visited museum: Musée du Louvre

Scoff French pastries

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London has fi ve major airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City. During your time in the UK capital you’ll use at least one of these. Each has its own set of pros and cons.

Heathrow

One of the world’s busiest and most sophisticated airports, handling more international passengers than any other. It’s located 32km west of central London and has excellent transport links.

Each of the fi ve terminals has competitive currency exchange facilities, information counters, accommodation desks and left luggage facilities. Heathrow by TubeThe Piccadilly line connects Heathrow to central London and the rest of the Tube. Journey time to

London: Coming & goingYour guide to getting to and from London’s major airports for your travels


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Piccadilly Circus is about 50 minutes. A single ticket into central London (Zone 1) costs £5. If you’re going to be using London’s public transport system, it’s worth buying an Oyster card.Heathrow by CoachNational Express runs frequent coach services between Heathrow’s central bus station and Victoria Coach Station. The journey takes between 40 minutes and one hour 30 minutes, depending on the route. Standard tickets cost £5 single or £9 return. Heathrow by BusBetween midnight and 5.30am, the N9 night bus runs about every 30 minutes to central London and terminates at Trafalgar Square. Journey time is approximately 65 minutes. Standard bus fares apply (£1.30 Oyster/£2.20 cash).

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Heathrow Airport by TaxiA metered trip in a black cab to/ from central London will cost between £50 and £80.

Luton

Luton Airport (LTN) is one of the UK’s fastest growing airports. Many of the scheduled fl ights are provided by low-cost airlines. Luton Airport is 51km north-west of London.Luton Airport by TrainA regular shuttle bus links the airport to Luton Airport Parkway train station in about eight minutes. From there, First Capital Connect operates regular rail services to central London stations. Trains run all day and night, and the journey time is approximately 50 minutes. A standard single ticket costs £12.50.Luton Airport by CoachEasyBus offers a low-cost express bus service between central London and Luton Airport. EasyBus coaches run 24 hours a day between the airport and Central London. A standard one-way ticket starts at £2 when you buy online.Luton by TaxiA metered trip to/ from central London will cost about £80.

Stansted

Stansted is Britain’s third busiest airport and home to many of the UK’s low-cost airlines, serving mostly Mediterranean and European destinations. It’s located 64km to the north-east of London in Essex.Stansted by RailStansted Express is the quickest way into Central London. Standard fares are £20 single and £27.30 return. Journey time is around 45 minutes, and the trains stop at Tottenham Hale station before terminating at Liverpool Street station.Stansted by Coach EasyBus operates between central London and Stansted Airport. Services run every 20 minutes at peak time, and every 30 minutes off-peak. Fares start from £2 one-way. National Express operates a 24-hour service to Victoria Coach Station. The journey time is one hour and 40 minutes. Standard tickets cost £10 single and £17 return.Stansted by TaxiBlack cabs only operate in London, so not from Stansted, but offi cial Checker Cars are available at metered cost.

London City

London City Airport is situated approximately 9.5km east of Central London, and around 4.8km from Canary Wharf. London City by RailYou can catch the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to London City Airport. Services run every seven to ten minutes. Fares on the DLR are the same as those on the Tube.London City by CoachLocal bus routes serving the airport are the 473 (Stratford, Silvertown, North Woolwich, and Prince Regent Station) and the 474 (Canning Town, North Woolwich and East Beckton via Silvertown). Standard bus fares apply (£1.30 Oyster/ £2.20 cash).London City Airport by TubeTake the Jubilee Line to Canning Town or Canary Warf, or take the Central Line to Bank, and change to the DLR.By TaxiA metered trip to/ from central London will cost about £20.

Gatwick

The second largest airport in the UK after Heathrow, Gatwick is located 45km south of London.Gatwick by RailThe Gatwick Express is the fastest way into Central London. Standard fares are £17.90 single and £30.80 return. Journey time is 30 minutes and is non-stop to London Victoria station. First Capital Connect trains to London Bridge, Blackfriars and King’s Cross stations leave every 30 minutes. The standard adult single fare is £9.40.

Southern Railway services operate every 15 minutes during the day between Gatwick and London Bridge. The journey time is bout 52 minutes. A standard single ticket will cost you £7.90.

Gatwick by CoachNational Express runs services between Gatwick and Victoria Coach Station.

Coaches run hourly and journey time varies. Standard fares are £7.50 single or £14 return. EasyBus runs services every 20 minutes between 6am and 11pm. Fares start at

£2 one-way. Gatwick Airport by Taxi

A metered trip in a black cab to/ from central London will cost about £70.

WEBSITESeasybus.co.uknationalexpress.comtfl .gov.ukheathrowairport.comgatwickairport.comlondon-luton.co.uklondoncityairport.comstanstedairport.com

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Hostelling in Scotland

We’ve got it covered

www.hostellingscotland.com

Scottish Youth Hostels Association (also known as SYHA or Hostelling Scotland) is a registered Scottish charity No.SC013138 and a company limited by guarantee, registered in Scotland, No. SC310841. Registered Office 7 Glebe Crescent, Stirling, FK8 2JA.

www.hostellingscotland.com

Hostelling in Scotland

Check out our TourSearch at tntmagazine.com/toursearch. We’ve done the legwork so you don’t need to, and put thousands of tours in one place.

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Sophisticated culture, stunning surroundings and down-to-earth locals make Edinburgh one of the jewels in the UK’s crown. Whether you plan your trip around Hogmanay, the Fringe Festival or exploring the city, it’s bound to be memorable.

Festival frolics

Edinburgh becomes a hive of cultural activity in August when the city plays host to the Edinburgh International Festival (eif.co.uk) and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (edfringe.com), the biggest arts festival in the world. More than 400,000 revellers are expected to fl ock to the city for three fun-fi lled weeks of comedy, music, drama and dance. Also visit Edinburgh at New Year’s Eve for the Hogmanay street party (see P121).

Regal EdinburghPerfect for a quick getaway, the Scottish capital is full of majestic architecture, unforgettable festivals, friendly people and authentic grub

Historical seats

Perched at the top of the Royal Mile, Edinburgh Castle dominates the city from every angle. It’s a great place to learn about Scotland’s history and take in views of the Scottish capital. It’s also worth heading up to Arthur’s Seat, in Holyrood Park, which

Majestic: Edinburgh Castle

GETTING THEREFly to Edinburgh in 40

mins and then catch the Airlink 100, which departs every 10 minutes, into the city centre. Virgin’s train service from London takes about fi ve hours and drops you in the city centre.

SCOTLAND

EDINBURGH

ENGLAND

››

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provides a stunning bird’s eye view of Edinburgh’s gothic architecture.

Spooks galore

The dead have haunted Edinburgh’s cobbled streets and buildings since medieval times and what better way to get spooked than to go on a ghost walk. Visit the vaults beneath the South Bridge and discover the story behind the city’s body snatchers.

Heaps of haggis

Nip into a cosy pub on the RoyalMile or IN Grassmarket and sit down to a steaming plate of Scotland’s most famous dish, haggis (sheep’s intestine combined with onion, oatmeal, spices and salt). While it sounds horrible, it tastes incredible when served with “neeps and tatties” – turnips and potatoes.

Whisky sans mixer

As a nation of whisky drinkers, Scotland’s national

drop is always at hand. But be warned, the locals wouldn’t dream of contaminating their aged whisky with any perceived impurities such as a mixer. The Scots love a drink so there are plenty of pubs from which to choose in Edinburgh. One of the best is The Last Drop where, legend has it, convicted criminals were taken for their fi nal meal and a glass of whisky before being walked across the road to be hanged in the market square. The pub retains an old charm that makes it a wonderful place to spend a few hours. ❚

Join the crowds at the Fringe

BEST FOR ... CLUBWee Red BarTop tip: Check out ‘The Egg’ on Saturdays, a weekly alternative bunch-up of classic punk, garage, soul and indie music — past and present — to delight the student crowd. Situated on the grounds of the Edinburgh College of Art, this institue of a night club doesn’t lack any character.Price: Entry prices range.See: weeredbar.co.uk

BEST FOR ... HIDDEN HAUNTED HISTORYThe Real Mary King’s CloseTop tip: Discover the underground streets and spaces below Old Town through a guided tour complete with a costumed character guide to tell of all the blood and ghosts. For three quid extra you can get the “Gold Ticket” for an extended tour above ground. In December, experience the special Christmas “Daft Days” tours.Price: £12See: realmarykingsclose.com

BEST OF THE RESTEDINBURGH

WHEN TO GO: Edinburgh International Festival runs from August 13-September 5, while the Edinburgh Fringe Festival takes place from August 4-31. GETTING AROUND: It is easy to explore Edinburgh on foot, but there is a fairly extensive bus service if you want to go further than the city centre.ACCOMMODATION: Dorm beds start from £9 and private rooms from £18. SEE: edinburgh.org

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GETTING THEREBATH: Trains take

90 minutess from London. (fi rstgreatwestern.co.uk)

STONEHENGE: There are regular trains to Salisbury from Waterloo, and buses from Victoria. Hire a car from Salisbury. (avis.co.uk)

Only 90 minutes by train from London, you’ll discover a city bursting with history and buzzing with modern-day life. Visit the Roman baths and soak away your troubles in the rooftop spa before hitting the town for more liquid refreshment.

BATH: OLD AND NEWHeading west on the route of the former Great Western Railway, Bath is a beacon of tourism longevity. Railways made mass tourism possible in the late 1800s, but city has been welcoming spa-goers for two millennia. It was more than 2000 years ago that the Romans soaked their tired limbs in Britain’s only hot spring. Today you can visit the museum or splash

Bath & StonehengeA stone’s throw from London, Bath is home to the country’s only hot spring, while mysterious Stonehenge was built by the aliens (maybe)


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around in similar style at the Thermae Bath Spa.At the museum, marvel at the magnifi cent, steam-fi lled bathing complex and temple built by the Romans. Known then as Aquae Sulis (Waters of Sulis), this former Celtic shrine became a place for legionnaires to recuperate when they weren’t

Feel the vibes: Solstice at Stonehenge

UNITEDKINGDOM

LONDONBath

Stonehenge

BATH

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fi ghting Britons. They kept the original name of the settlement, but worshipped their own goddess Minerva here. HEALING WATERSHistorical appetite sated, book a session at the rooftop Thermae Bath Spa. The latest incarnation of Britain’s only natural thermal spa opened in 2006, but fl oating in the steamy hot spring-fed pool overlooking the city, it’s easy to imagine those who came before.

WHEN NIGHT FALLSBath is a student city and therefore, as well as several theatres and a good selection of restaurants, it’s chocka with pubs and bars. For live music, hit The Porter (theporter.co.uk) or Komedia, which also puts on club nights (komedia.co.uk/bath).

Whether you view Salisbury Plains’ awe-inspiring standing stones as a historic monument or as something more spiritual, Stonehenge is one of Britain’s most interesting sites. Its origins remain a mystery, but there are no shortage of theories.

SUN WORSHIPBefore Stonehenge was built, the area was the site of

an early Neolithic monument complex. A recent study by archaeologists from the universities of Birmingham and Vienna suggests that a series of pits, in line with

the rising and setting sun, point to the signifi cance of the area as a place of sun worship for prehistoric people.

A GRAVEYARDStonehenge acts as giant tombstones to the dead, possibly a ruling dynasty, argues Mike Parker Pearson from Sheffi eld University. He came to this conclusion after conducting tests on human remains taken from the site in the 1950s. Archeologists Geoff Wainwright and Timothy Darvill disagree. They say it was a place where the sick sought cures from the stones, believed to have healing powers. This, they argue, is why nearby graves are fi lled with bodies

of the sick and deformed. Another theory suggests Stonehenge was built as a temple to the sun and the changing seasons, with its stones aligned to mark midsummer and midwinter.

SUMMER SOLSTICEEvery year, modern-day Pagans, hippes and party-lovers gather at the stones to celebrate the longest day of the year. This year, it will fall on Thursday, 21 June with the sun rising at 5.14am. Head here to watch this to the sound of bongos – it will be a moving experience. ❚

BATHWHEN TO GO: Any time.ACCOMMODATION: Hostel dorm rooms are from £10. The Queensberry Hotel (thequeensberry.co.uk) has doubles from £125.SEE: visitbath.co.uk

STONEHENGEWHEN TO GO: Any time but wrap up in winter.ACCOMMODATION: here are plenty of reasonably priced B&Bs in nearby Salisbury. SEE: english-heritage.org.uk

Pool with a view: Bath’s Therma Spa

STONEHENGE

The Royal Crescent, Bath

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GETTING THERECatch a train to

Cambridge from Liverpool Street or King’s Cross, which takes 60-90 minutes (from £20). For Oxford, National Express (nationalexpress.com) runs a coach from Victoria station (from £12). The journey is nearly two hours

Oxford and Cambridge, homes to England’s oldest, most prestigious universities, are only few hours’ drive from London. As such, they’re perfect for a daytrip and both are packed with history, dramatic architecture and some decent pubs.

It might be famous for its pursuit of academic excellence but also take a look at Oxford’s outstanding architecture, world-class museums, chic bars, trendy restaurants and elegant shops.

CHRIST CHURCH COLLEGE Pay a visit to the biggest college at Oxford University, Christ Church. Feast your eyes on the 12th-century

Great mindsMany of the world’s most famous achievers have studied in Oxford or Cambridge – but there’s more to these historic towns than academia


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cathedral; the dining hall, which featured in the Harry Potter movies; and an art gallery full of works by the old masters. You’ll also discover where the inspiration for Alice In Wonderland came from; its author Lewis Carroll, wrote the much-loved children’s book while he was a maths professor here.

Great university: but Oxford has much more to offer

UNITED KINGDOM

LONDON

Cambridge

Oxford

OXFORD

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EXPLORE THE CITYThe best way to get about in Oxford is to take a stroll through the small city. Begin on Broad Street and absorb the impressive architecture of the Sheldonian Theatre, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and erected in 1664-8; and the Clarendon Building, with its Greek-like columns and towering roof statues. From here, head to the Covered Market, where you can shop or relax with a coffee.

FOODIE FINDS For a superior curry, try award-winning Aziz in Cowley Road. Branca in Walton Street is a good Italian bar and restaurant serving stone-baked pizzas. If you want to splash out, Le Manoir is a two Michelin-star restaurant owned by Raymond Blanc in Church Road.

There’s no shortage of boozers in which to sup a decent pint of ale. A literary pub both CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien used to frequent, the Eagle & Child in St Giles is a great place to start. The Turf Tavern has had a slew of famous visitors in its day including Elizabeth Taylor, Stephen Hawking, Bill Clinton, Tony Blair and Alicia Silverstone.

Cambridge has much in common with rival Oxford, most notably a town centre fi lled with elegant colleges, busy students and a surfeit of cafés and bars. However, it is considered the prettier of the two cities. Historic pubs reverberate with the mix of intellectual banter and alcohol-fuelled merrymaking that has become tradition over hundreds of years.

HEADLINE ATTRACTIONThe university consists of several colleges, many housed in beautiful old buildings centred around neat lawns known as quads. The most famous is King’s College, with its gothic masterpiece King’s College Chapel. Head there at 5.30pm Monday-Saturday (Sunday times vary) to hear the famous choir belting out some top notes.

TAKE A PUNTHead to the banks of the River Cam, an area known as the Backs. In summer, you’ll be able to watch the river teaming with punts – get involved by hiring a vessel from Scudamore’s Boatyard (scudamores.com). Or try a spot of stand-up

paddle-boarding (fenpaddle.co.uk). In winter take a brisk walk along the Cam before heading back over one of the many pretty bridges.

FOODIE FINDSYou’ll fi nd an array of cuisines on offer. However, if you’re just after a snack, join the queues of students at bakery Fitzbillies – they’re lining up for a reason. Cambridge has its fair share of trendy bars, but it’s the old-man pubs that will win you over. Try the Pickerel Inn or The Eagle, which has graffi ti by World War II pilots.

WHEN TO GO: Summer’s obviously ideal but it’s nice to nestle down in an old pub, drinking in front of a roaring fi re in winter. CURRENCY: GBPACCOMMODATION: Dorm beds from £13.95 at the YHA (yha.org.uk). Doubles from £20. SEE: visiteastofengland.com; visitoxfordandoxfordshire.com

Take a punt in Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE

Good vibes: Oxford

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The Emerald Isle boasts a wealth of history – tales of rebellion and oppression, ancient ruins, mystical legends, religious wars and a beautiful landscape – but it’s the spirit of the country what makes it so loved the world over. The people are super-friendly and they love to have a good time. Remember those fun Irish folk you met on your travels? Prepare yourself for an entire country of them. And the best thing is: they’ll welcome you with open arms.

Dublin, a cosmopolitan energy

An explosion in multi-culturalism due to Ireland’s (now fi nished) economic boom in the Noughties has resulted in a throng of immigrants and tourists, creating a cosmopolitan vibe. It’s an extremely social city and the best place in the world to sup most

The luck of the IrishDespite its turbulent past, Ireland doesn’t lack charm. Here’s our guide to enjoying the craic and making the most of this beautiful country


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famous export, Guinness. Learn how to pull a perfect pint of the renowned black stuff at the Guinness Storehouse. It can be thirsty work, so knock back a couple at the dazzling 360C bar, which offers striking city views.

Those in the mood for culture and history should

Dublin: get amongst the energy

GETTING THEREFly London to Dublin with

Ryanair from £16.99; fl y London to Belfast from £20.99 with Air Lingus

IRELAND

DUBLIN

Cork

Kilkenny

Galway

Giant’s Causeway

BELFASTNORTHERNIRELAND

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visit the free National Museum of Ireland. It charts the interesting past of this great country. And its biggest drawcard is a couple of 2000-year-old bog people, preserved until they were fi nally found in 2003. Historians believe the bodies were sacrifi ced to fertility gods to guarantee a good harvest – let’s hope it was plentiful. There’s also a chance to view Viking relics and Egyptian artefacts and peek into Ireland’s natural history.

For a taste of the country’s gruesome history, visit the eerie Kilmainham Gaol – the setting for the ruthless execution of 14 nationalists involved in the 1916 Easter Rising. Socialist leader James Connolly, who was so badly wounded from fi ghting that he only had days to live, was strapped to a chair to be executed by fi ring squad. You can see where it all went down on visits to the prison chapel and execution yards.

For a more pleasant experience, hit the boutiques of Grafton Street for an afternoon of shopping. Here you’ll fi nd fashionable frocks and edgy accessories. Deck yourself out on a wide variety of retro clothes and funky jewellery at Cow’s Lane Market, in Temple Bar. Stay in the area after the sun sets; Temple Bar is loaded with great after-dark haunts. You’ll fi nd a genuine Irish experience at boozers such as Hogans in George Street and Whelans, in Wexford Street, famed for its live music and late bar. Stop for a cheeky pint and a nightly dose of live traditional music at Dublin’s oldest boozer, the Brazen Head, founded in 1198.

Cork, culture with an edge

Energetic Cork serves up edgy art galleries, sizzling clubs and packed boozers. It was voted the 2005 European Capital of Culture, and the legacy of that lives on in new buildings, restaurants, bars and arts centres springing up all over town. A visit wouldn’t be complete without sampling the local brews – Murphy’s and Beamish. A must-see attraction is Cork City Gaol, which was used from 1823 and 1923, and is a vivid reminder of Ireland’s troubled past. The hellish living conditions are realistically recreated by true-to-life models of depressed prisoners and stern guards. Despite this, times were so bad during the potato famine of 1846-49 that starving people committed crimes so they could be sent to jail, where they’d get food and shelter. Also take the time to explore the city’s majestic opera house.

Galway, bohemia reigns supreme

The spirit and youthfulness of the west coast of Ireland is exemplifi ed

in Galway. Students make up a quarter of the city’s population, so there’s a buzz wherever you go. The streets of this bohemian city are lively, with street performers and musicians. It’s also one fo the few places in Ireland where you’ll hear the Irish language being spoken on the streets.

Galway’s packed with energetic pubs and the place gets even wilder than usual at the end of July for the annual race week, one of the highlights of the summer. If you want a break from the action-packed cobbled streets, walk over salmon-fi lled River Corrib, and along the lengthy promenade, which leads to the

seaside suburb of Salthil. Here you’ll fi nd Galway Bay, where the region’s famous oysters originate.

Kilkenny, good times guaranteed

Kilkenny is known as the festival capital of Ireland, so you’re guaranteed to have a good time here. There’s a thriving music and arts scene in this town, so a visit during the Kilkenny Arts Festival in August is defi nitely worthwhile, but book

WHEN TO GO: Anytime, but summer will mean there’s more people out and about.CURRENCY: Euro: 1GBP=1.16 EURACCOMMODATION: Hostel dorm beds from €12 a night, private rooms from €20.SEE: discoverireland.com; discovernorthernisland.com

It’s not labelled the Emerald Isles for nothing

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accommodation well in advance. It also hosts the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival in June and the Celtic Festival in October. There’s more than 60 bars in the town so the only problem about a night out will be deciding where to go. Also check out Kilkenny’s famous castle, which sits majestically on a sweep in the River Nore.

Belfast

Northern Ireland’s capital, once a city under serious threat of bombs and bloodshed, is now one of the


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UK’s hottest weekend break destinations. With an enticing nightlife and edgy charm, many of the legacies of Belfast’s turbulent history have become star attractions for tourists who are visiting in their droves.

Belfast may no longer a troubled hotspot, but its past won’t be soon forgotten. You can learn all about The Troubles on a black-taxi tour of West Belfast’s political murals (below left) painted on the terraced houses of the Catholic Falls area and Protestant Shankill district, and the Peace Line that divides them.

You can choose to be guided by either Protestant or Catholic drivers, depending on which you lean to religiously or politically.

Belfast Titanic, 100 years of infamy

2012 is the 100th anniversary of the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic, the infamous ‘unsinkable’ ocean liner that was built by Belfast’s Harland and Wolff shipyards. Although the ship sank when it hit an iceberg, at the time, Belfast had built the world’s most advanced piece of technology and the city still takes pride in the piece of engineering genius.

Titanic Belfast, opening in April, will be a ‘must- see’ visit in any tour of Belfast and Northern Ireland.

NORTHERN IRELAND

Unwind in Galway Magic: Kilkenny

Get a taste of the black stuff



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Housed in a purpose-built building beside the historic site of the ship’s construction, the exhibition covers nine galleries and tells the story of the Titanic through a state-of-the-art experience.

Though new developments, such as Belfast Titanic, might now dominate the Belfast skyline, make time to visit the lavish 19th-century City Hall, and Belfast Castle with its stunning gardens. For cutting-edge art and culture, make sure spend some time on the generated waterfront.

Party city, and a rise in cafe culture

Belfast’s reputation as a party city has much to do with the stretch known as the Golden Mile, a kilometre of pubs and restaurants including lively boozer/ club Lavery’s and student favourite Eglantine.

If you prefer cosmopolitans to Guinness, head to trendy bar Irene & Nans. Café culture has really taken off in Belfast, with plenty of options on Botanic Avenue for a cup of coffee or a delicious snack.

Chain cafe Clements makes an excellent cappuccino and for good and affordable local food try Mourne Seafood Bar in Bank Street or The Barking Dog bistro in Malone Road.

The Giant’s Causeway, a natural wonder

The Giant’s Causeway is one of the UK’s greatest natural wonders. Scientists say that the honeycomb-like formation of six-sided basalt columns were formed by eruptions more than six million years ago.

The Causeway should be included in any visit to Northern Ireland. Those with a head for heights can cross the nearby Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. ❚

Hot destination: Belfast

A must-see: the Giant’s Causeway



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Rio: biggest festival in the world

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Festival feverWhether it’s taking part in the world’s biggest tomato fight, drinking beer with six million people or running alongside bulls, there’s an event for it


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In many cases, these now world-renowned festivals started off as small village traditions. However, the locals couldn’t keep them secret for long, as the colourful and sometimes dangerous events caught the eye of intrepid travellers, who regaled their tales to other backpackers. People now gather en masse for these huge celebrations. Here are our 10 faves.

UP HELLY AA, Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland

WHEN January 31WHAT This is the largest fi re festival in Europe. More than 1000 costumed revellers (known as the Jari Squad) march holding burning torches to pay homage to the Shetland’s Viking heritage. The ceremony ends as the hundreds of fl aming torches are thrown into a long-ship. Then the celebration really kicks off, with music and entertainment ‘til the early hours. The following day is a public holiday, to allow for recovery – so expect a party to remember.

GETTING THERE Fly to Shetland from Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Orkney. There are also ferries operating. ACCOMMODATION Dorm beds start from £10, private rooms from £17. Book accommodation early.VISA No visas required if you have one for the UK.SEE uphellyaa.org

RIO CARNIVAL, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

WHEN February 17-21WHAT While some cities like to boast they host the world’s best festival, there’s no doubt that Rio’s Carnival is the biggest, sexiest, most colourful and most famous. It’s a hedonistic festival, which dates back to the Ancient Greeks celebrating Dionysus, the god of wine. And no one does hedonism better than the Brazilians. For fi ve days Rio is a riot of festivities, culminating in a parade where dancers and drummers strut their stuff to see which samba school will be crowned champion. Don’t miss it.

GETTING THERE Most London airports fl y to Rio.

Up Helly Aa: best for fi re lovers

Enjoy the buzz in Pamplona››


ACCOMMODATION Dorm beds start from £12 – however, during carnival time, this obviously rises.VISA No visas required for stays less than 90 days for South Africans and New Zealanders. Australians will need a visa in advance of travel.SEE rio-carnival.net

LAS FALLAS, Valencia, Spain

WHEN March 17-20WHAT A spectacular celebration of fi re and pyrotechnics to mark the arrival of spring. Giant puppets (fallas), some lifelike, some grotesque, are built and displayed in every neighbourhood in Valencia. The papier-mache puppets are fi rst placed around the city and then, on the fi nal night, burned in a pagan-feeling ceremony accompanied by fi reworks. Nights are debauched as the city heats up and three million fl ame-loving revellers take to the streets. During the day, parades, live music, paella contests and beauty pageants keep the party alive.

GETTING THERE Most budget airlines fl y to Valencia. You can also get there by rail and coach from Madrid, Barcelona and other Spanish cities.HOW MUCH Four-day tours start from about £160. ACCOMMODATION Dorm beds start from £10, private rooms from £17. Book accommodation early.VISAS New Zealanders and Australians don’t need visas. South Africans need a Schengen visa.SEE turisvalencia.es


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RUNNING OF THE BULLS, Pamplona, Spain

WHEN July 6-14, with the bull run taking place at 8am every day. Six bulls are brought back to be killed by a matador in the arena at 6.30pm.WHAT This has become a cult event, although the

[Caption]

Weird puppets: Las Fallas Day Of The Dead: Mexico

Make sure you wear good trainers



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younger generations are increasingly boycotting it on ethical grounds. Its excitement can’t be denied and if you go, you should take part. However, if you chicken out, there are plenty of great (safe) vantage points. Lots of drinking is involved; expect to stay up all night and get slaughtered. In solidarity with the bulls.

GETTING THERE Fly to Barcelona, Madrid, Bilbao or Biarritz and then catch a train or bus to Pamplona. Or fl y direct to Pamplona from Madrid or Barcelona.HOW MUCH Tours start at £200. Book in advance.ACCOMMODATION Rooms in Pamplona get booked early, but there are campsites outside town. You can also base yourself in Bilbao, San Sebastián or Zarautz.VISAS Aussies and Kiwis don’t need a visa. Saffas need a Schengen visa.SEE sanfermin.com

LA TOMATINA, Buñol, Spain

WHEN Last Wednesday in AugustWHAT Always dreamed of throwing more than your weight in tomatoes while stumbling around in a gloopy soup, covered from head to toe in squelchy liquid? Then this is for you. The streets of this usually

sleepy town turn to puree as 50,000 people do battle with lorry-loads of ripe tomatoes in an orgy of silliness. Expect to be hosed down afterwards and don’t wear anything you love. Girls should don sports bras to avoid the inevitable.

GETTING THERE The closest airport is Valencia. Many people also choose to base themselves in Valencia as accommodation in Buñol is limited.HOW MUCH Three-day organised tours from £189.ACCOMMODATION In Valencia, dorm beds start from £13, and private rooms from £17. Book early to avoid disappointment. VISAS Australians and New Zealanders do not need a visa, but South Africans will need a Schengen visa.SEE turisvalencia.es

DAY OF THE DEAD, Oaxaca, Mexico

WHEN November 1-2WHAT It’s name probably gives it away, but this is a celebration of friends and relatives who have died. It’s been running for thousands of years, before it evolved into the colourful celebration it is today. With its costumes, scary facepaint, candy skulls as well as papier-mache skeletons, this is death at its most fun. Mexico’s exuberant event involves parades, rituals to welcome back deceased relatives, and a mariachi-accompanied visit to the cemetery, via the funfair. It’s how they would like to be remembered. Honest.

Tomato soup: La Tomatina

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GETTING THERE Fly to Las Vegas or San Francisco, then rent a car or camper van and drive.HOW MUCH Mexico tours start around £595. ACCOMMODATION Dorms can cost as little as £3 per night in Oaxaca, and £4 for a basic hotel room.VISAS A tourist card is issued on arrival. Kiwis get 180 days and Aussies and South Africans up to 90.SEE visitmexico.com

BURNING MAN, Black Rock Desert, Nevada, US

WHEN Aug 27-Sept 3WHAT Tens of thousands of people gather in the scorching Nevada desert for this event to celebrate art, community and self-expression. It’s a parallel universe of surreal works – many of which you can ride/ sail across the pristine sands – fabulous costumes, nakedness and themed camps. On the fi nal night, a giant “man” is set alight. Everything from the event is then packed away, leaving no trace of its existence.GETTING THERE Fly to Las Vegas or San Francisco, then rent a car or camper van and drive.HOW MUCH Tickets are upwards of £155.

Clockwise: Oktoberfest in Munich; Burning Man; Hogmanay in Scotland

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ACCOMMODATION You’ll be camping in the desert, but book a hotel to retreat to after the festival. Trust us, you’ll need it!VISAS Aussies and Kiwis don’t need a visa for stays of less than 90 days. South Africans require a visa.SEE burningman.com

OKTOBERFEST, Munich, Germany

WHEN Late September to early OctoberWHAT More then six million boozers hit Munich to consume unimaginable litres of the stuff at Germany’s most famous festival. Ever-popular buxom Bavarian wenches will keep your steins replenished. As a bonus, according to TNT insiders, the beer’s so pure you never get a hangover! There are currently 14 large beer tents and 20 smaller ones. Make sure you plan carefully – you’ll be too smashed to wander around to all of them.

GETTING THERE Budget airlines fl y direct to Munich. Otherwise, book a package tour from the UK, which is usually by coach. You can also catch a train from other German cities.HOW MUCH Tour packages start from £120.ACCOMMODATION Dorm beds in hostels start at £22. Hotel rooms are from £52 for a double. Hotels and hostels book out in a fl ash for Oktoberfest – some up to a year in advance.VISAS Aussies and Kiwis don’t need a visa. South Africans need a Schengen visa.SEE oktoberfest.de

HOGMANAY, Edinburgh, Scotland

WHEN New Year’s EveWHAT Why spend just one evening celebrating the birth of a new year, when you can spend three? This is one of the most iconic NYE celebrations in the world – renowned for its non-stop knees-up. This year, dance the nights away to a mix of Primal Scream, Mark Ronson and Friendly Fires, as well as the Bombay Bicycle Club and The Vaccines. More than 250,000 people head to the city centre, with loads of entertainment on offer. Events begin with a fl aming torch parade and fi reworks mark the New Year.

GETTING THERE You can fl y from London on jump on a train or coach – but book in advance. HOW MUCH Three-day tours start from £199. ACCOMMODATION Dorm beds from £9 and private rooms from £18.VISA No visas required if you have one for the UK. SEE edinburghshogmanay.org ❚

WHEN April 25WHAT Head to Gallipoli this Anzac day to pay your personal tribute to the troops from Australia and New Zealand who fought so bravely in World War I. More than 10,000 people make the pilgrimage every year. Explore the war memorials and trenches during an emotionally charged day which begins with a dawn service. It’s also a perfect chance to explore Turkey.

GETTING THERE Fly into Istanbul. Gallipoli is 350km from there. To access the peninsula for Anzac Day you have to join an offi cial tour. HOW MUCH Tour packages start from £120.ACCOMMODATION Sleeping outside is the only option at Anzac Cove. In Istanbul, dorms start at 20-40 lira (£7-£14). A basic hotel room is 60-80 lira (£20-£27).VISAS Australians must buy a tourist visa upon entering Turkey (roughly £10). New Zealanders don’t need a visa if their stay is three months or less. ACCOMMODATION Sleeping outside is the only option at Anzac Cove. In Istanbul, dorms start at 20 lira (£7). A basic hotel room is 60 lira (£21).SEE anzacsite.gov.au

ANZAC DAYANZAC COVE ON TURKEY’S GALLIPOLI PENINSULA


If you’re based in the UK for at least the next two years, make the most of it. One of the attractions of the country is the fact there are tonnes of destinations just a short fl ight away. Here’s our guide to the must-visit destinations – with a few essential long-haul hotspots thrown in for good measure.

WHY Witness the birth of a new democratic country. 2011 saw the Egyptian revolution and president Hosni Mubarak resigning, ending his 30-year reign. Although there was still unrest at the end of last year, the UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Offi ce had placed no restrictions on travel – but check at the time of your trip.

Best in the worldThe UK is close to some of the most amazing countries in the world. Here’s a checklist of the ones you need to see while here, or on your way home


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HIGHLIGHTS Don’t let last year’s Arab Spring put you off – Egypt is a stunning destination that deserves to be seen. The capital, Cairo, is located on the Nile river. It’s hectic and busy, yet beautiful. Visit the Egyptian Museum which is fi lled with more than 120,000 intriguing ancient artifacts, including King Tut’s Golden Mask. Luxor, gateway to the Valley of the Kings, is a mass of bustling metropolitan madness. Visit the touristy dive spot of Sharm el-Sheikh; or spend days lazing by the Red Sea in laid-back Dahab.

GIZA Nothing can prepare you for the exhilaration of standing beneath The Pyramids and the Sphinx. They are among the greatest archaeological sites you will ever encounter.

Must see: the Sphinx and Pyramids in Egypt

EGYPT

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THE NILE The ultimate in lazy travel; spend a day fl oating along the longest river in the world on a traditional felucca. You’ll soon forget any problems.

MT SINAI It will take you about three hours to reach the 2285m peak where it’s believed God himself spoke to Moses and passed down the Ten Commandments.

THE RED SEA A waterbaby’s haven, the turquoise waters off the eastern coast of the Sinai Peninsula make for some of the best diving on the planet. Plunge into a world of colourful reefs and rich marine life and explore caves and wrecks, both long forgotten and rediscovered.

THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS Witness the fi nal resting place of more than 60 of Egypt’s most highly regarded ancient leaders, including Tutankhamen and Queen Hatshepsut.

WHEN TO GO Peak season is November until May. At other times, it’s cheaper, but also much hotter. GETTING THERE Egypt is a fi ve-hour fl ight from the UK with fl ights leaving from all London airports.

HOW MUCH A tour will set you back about £150 excluding fl ights. It can be advisable to book a tour guide so you can take advantage of the safety and knowledge that provides. Food and drink prices are fairly cheap: you can feed yourself for about £5 a day.VISA Aussies and Kiwis can buy a visa upon arrival (about £10), but it’s less hassle to get one before you go. South Africans need to apply for a visa in advance.

WHY It can be an adventurer’s playground; a beachgoer’s paradise; an explorer’s unchartered territory. There are deserts, rainforests, savannah, mountains, lowlands, stunning beaches and tropical islands – not to mention some of the most amazing animals you’ll ever come close to. Go on safari at a national park to witness the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino).

HIGHLIGHTS Visit Johannesburg, Cape Town, the Kruger National Park, Table Mountain and Victoria Falls while in South Africa. Go on a wildlife adventure in Kenya; trek volcanoes, climb Mt Kilimanjaro, and watch

Stunning: Vic Falls

AFRICA

Cape Town’s Table Mountain

Go diving in the Red Sea


the annual migration in the Serengeti; or trek in search of mountain gorillas in Uganda.

WHEN TO GO April and June to see the wildlife migration in Tanzania and Kenya. GETTING THERE To witness different parts of Africa, book an overland trip. If you want to go it alone, start in Tanzania by fl ying into Dar es Salaamin Tanzania and making your way to Arusha, where you’ll fi nd loads of safari operators.HOW MUCH Tours start at about £250 excluding fl ights. VISAS Australians, New Zealanders and South Africans need a visa for Tanzania. All foreigners travelling to the country also need to show proof of a yellow fever inoculation.

WHY Why not! It’s heaps of fun, and nothing beats heading up the mountains, breathing in fresh alpine air and carving your way back down. And Europe has something for beginners and pros alike.

WHERE There are slopes in Andorra, Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Switzerland, as well as in many places outside the Eurozone. Flights leave regularly from London. However, look into hopping on to a train as you won’t get charged for baggage. Bus journeys can be long, but they’re usually cheap.

BEST FOR ... BUDGET BEGINNERS Eastern Europe is great for snow bunnies on a budget. Borovets


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(bulgariaski.com) has pistes of varying length and diffi culty. You can even try your hand at cross-country skiing on a track set 2km away from the resort. Borovets also boasts a thriving clubbing scene. Ski passes start at £84 for three days.

BEST FOR ... BUDGET INDERMEDIATE Bansko (bulgariaski.com) benefi ts from a long season (roughly December to May) and plenty of good powder. Together with 64km of pistes to explore, this cute medieval town has many cultural monuments and historic sites, while slightly further afi eld is the Pirin National Park – a Unesco World Heritage site home to epic limestone mountainscapes, glacial lakes, waterfalls and caves. There’s also a wealth of cheap accommodation options at Bansko and a decent clubbing scene. Set aside £125 for a six-day ski pass.WHEN TO GO Most European seasons start in

[Caption]

SKIING/ SNOWBOARDING

Challenge: climb Mt Kilimanjaro

Make new friends on the slopes



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November and run until April, or in some cases, May. Check the snow forecast for your destination before you book – and avoid school holidays at all costs. HOW MUCH For cheaper rates, look outside the Eurozone. There’s Bansko in Bulgaria, Slovenia’s main resorts Kranjska Gora and Bovec, the High and Low Tatras mountains of Slovakia and Romania’s Poiana Brasov. Don’t expect them to rival the big hitters of the Alps, but the areas are being invested in all the time. A list of companies specialising in ski tours, with varying prices, dates and locations, can be found at tntmagazine.com/travel.VISAS Aussies and Kiwis don’t need visas for most EU countries. South Africans will most likely need a Schengen visa. Check before you leave.

WHY The Trans-Siberian railway has come to mean much more than the train journey across Russia it originally described. As well as the route between Moscow and Vladivostok, it’s now a catch-all for any train journey in this area – in fact, most travellers doing the ‘Trans-Sib’ will usually be heading from Beijing to Mongolia, then through Siberia to Moscow (or vice versa) – offi cially, the Trans-Mongolian. This epic rail journey has also come to symbolise the ultimate in do-before-you-die travel. It’s an adventure crossing time zones and cultures, continents and countries.

WHEN TO GO May until September because of the warm weather, but they’re also the busiest times. Avoid July and August as it’s too hot. Travel in March to experience the tail end of a Siberian winter. Avoid the fi rst snow in October and the spring thaw in April.GETTING THERE Take an overnight train from St Petersburg to Moscow, where the journey departs.HOW MUCH Packages start from about £800.VISAS All visitors need a visa for Russia and China, and most nationalities need one for Mongolia too. Leave at least six weeks to sort your visas out. Ask your tour company if they can help with visa arrangements.

WHY The United States is enormous, so don’t even think about attempting to cover it in one trip. It’s a land where everything is on a bigger scale – from the superior lakes and the grand canyons to the skyscrapers and heart-attack-inducing breakfasts.

Check out our favourite roadtrips:EASTERN PROMISE With super-cheap fl ights from London to New York City, the Big Apple is the obvious

place to start an East Coast tour. Explore Central Park, the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. Complete your East Coast tour in Florida, making stops in the stylish beach city of Miami, and in Orlando, home to Walt Disney World Resort and SeaWorld, as well as gorgeous beaches. WILD WEST From wild landscapes to hip cities, the US’s west coast is an adventurer’s dream. Celeb-spot in star-studded LA, ogle ancient rocks in the Grand Canyon and soak up desert hues in Death Valley. Finish up in Las Vegas, a neon wonderland in the sand that is the ultimate playground for grown-ups.

THE DEEP SOUTH Laid-back New Orleans has a vibrant French Quarter which comes alive at night with competing melodies emanating from jazz clubs. If New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz, then Memphis is the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll. It’s a 10-hour train ride from New Orleans but it’s worth it. Expect Elvis mania – and don’t miss the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum which covers the development of soul into rock ’n’ roll.

WHEN TO GO Summer – which begins on Memorial Day (last Mon in May) and ends on Labor Day (fi rst

TRANS-SIBERIAN

UNITED STATES

Trans-Sib: more than just a train ride

Snowboarding: get a slice of the action

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Mon in Sep) – is peak. Autumn (fall) is spectacular, and Christmas time in New York is a festive overload.GETTING THERE All major London airports have fl ights to the US. Major international airports include JFK and Newark (New York), LAX (Los Angeles), SFO (San Francisco) and Hartsfi eld International (Atlanta).HOW MUCH Simple four-day tours of the US start from £189.VISAS Aussies and Kiwis don’t need visas for stays of less than 90 days, but must obtain travel authorisation prior to departing for the US. This may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), an internet application. South Africans will need to make an appointment at their nearest US embassy or consulate to obtain a visa.

WHY If you’re after a no-holds-barred unforgettable adventure, this is the right place. South America is all epic landscapes and throbbing party towns, the perfect destination for intrepid travellers who like to have fun.

HIGHLIGHTS: SALVADOR, BRAZIL Salvador is the ultimate party city, with its streets throbbing 24-7

to African drum beats, and its central squares full of displays of capoeira, performed by buff men doing handstands and fl ips. The historic centre, Pelourinho, is abuzz with bars and clubs pumping out samba.

INCA TRAIL, PERU The four-day hike to the dramatic city of Machu Picchu is a tick-box activity for most backpackers exploring Peru. Unfortunately, it can be hard to get on the Inca Trail as the government only issues 200 permits worldwide a day. Book in advance.

BOLIVIAN SALT FLATS Salar de Uyuni are the largest salt fl ats in the world: a 12,000sqkm carpet of blindingly white salt that stretches as far as the eye can see. Look out for turquoise lagoons full of fl amingos, active geysers, striking rock formations and steamy hot springs where you can bathe. Keep your eyes peeled for llamas with ribbons in their ears, and ostriches.

ANGEL FALLS, VENEZUELA Arrange a tour from the steaming-hot Venezuelan city of Ciudad Bolivar, dotted with pretty colonial buildings. Gloriously remote, Canaima National Park, where the highest waterfall in the world is situated, is only reachable by small plane from Ciudad Bolivar across dense jungle.

SOUTH AMERICA

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Hail a yellow cab in NYC Mix with movie stars

Check out the top sights


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AMAZON RAINFOREST Tours to the Amazon can be arranged from Brazil, Peru or Bolivia and all are likely to include caiman spotting and piranha fi shing. You’re likely to sleep in hammocks and swim in the Amazon every day during a rainforest adventure. BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA Tango displays can be seen all over the city, particularly in the clubs of hip artists’ district San Telmo. Once you’ve watched the experts at it, take a lesson in one of the city’s many schools to try out your moves in the clubs.

DEATH ROAD, BOLIVIA A bike ride along Bolivia’s infamous Death Road is a rite of passage for any traveller worth their mettle. Outside Bolivia’s capital La Paz, the bumpy and narrow track is on a very steep incline and has earned its dangerous reputation thanks to suffering the most casualties every year compared to any other road. Ride with caution.

WHEN TO GO Climate conditions differ from country to country. Best check tntmagazine.com/travel for more details. Avoid the rainy season if possible.GETTING THERE Only go it alone if you’re a seasoned traveller with a good command of Spanish. Otherwise there are a variety of tour groups.HOW MUCH Tours start from about £345. The earlier you book your fl ights, the cheaper they will be. VISAS Some countries require a visa, others just a passport and return ticket. Check with each country.

WHY As you would expect from the second largest country in the world, Canada has something to offer every type of traveller. If you’re a city-lover, check out the bright lights of Toronto, French-speaking Montréal and eclectic Vancouver. Or you can get closer to nature in the Rocky Mountains, then explore the country’s pristine wilderness or ride the rodeo. WHEN TO GO Any time of year is good. To enjoy the outdoors, visit in summer. In most areas, March to May and September to October bring fewer tourists and often surprisingly pleasant weather. And autumn fi nds forests cloaked in a spectacular mantle of colour.

GETTING THERE Air Canada is the best bet for travelling to Canada from London. Which hub you choose will depend on your fi nal destination – Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton are the gateways to the Rockies, while the cities of the eastern provinces have their own airports.HOW MUCH Tours of Canada start at about £900.VISAS No visas required for stays up to 180 days for Kiwis and Aussies. South Africans need a visa. ❚

CANADA

Adventure: Machu Picchu

Go trekking in Peru

Party in Colombia

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