Economical

The Mini came about as a response to a global fuel shortage in the late 1950s. Large cars became very expensive to run as petrol in the UK was rationed, and so there was a need for a small yet commercially appealing car. In 1959, the Mark I Mini was born in answer to this need, and at 43mpg it became an instant hit. This economic trend continued throughout its history. The new MINI Cooper has improved on the old formula and boasts an average of 74mpg. Good things really do come in small packages.

Sex appeal

The Mini has been nicknamed the “classless car”, as it was appealing to drivers from all walks of life, from office workers to movie stars. The car was certainly a hit amongst celebrities – both Peter Sellers and Steve McQueen were Mini drivers, and The Beatles’ John Lennon and George Harrison owned Minis (a custom painted Mini Cooper can be seen in the Magical Mystery Tour movie). Minis played a prominent role in the Michael Caine movie The Italian Job, and so the Mini on the silver screen became as synonymous with Britain as the double-decker London bus.

Deceptively zippy

It’s a smaller than average car, sure, but the Mini can still pack a bit of a punch if you set your mind to it. Rally driver Paddy Hopkirk proved this in 1964 by winning the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally in a Mini Cooper S, going toe-to-toe with the likes of Porsche and Mercedes. Not content with a single victory, the Mini went on to dominate the Monte Carlo Rally again in 1965 and 1967.

Retro style

The style of the Mini has changed very little from its 1960s look, and so it has a timeless and retro appeal to modern drivers and collectors alike. The Mini more or less dominated the market in its class until the introduction of the ‘supermini’ in the late 70s and early 80s. You can’t keep a Mini down for long, however, as there was a resurgence of interest in the funny little car in 1989 with the re-introduction of the Mini Cooper. Even when Mini stopped production in 2000, it was very quickly picked up by BMW and re-launched as the slightly bigger New MINI. A classic car for a modern generation.

Picture by 'Shaun Tarlton' (Flickr)

Whether you’re a retro collector or a recent convert, there’s no denying that the Mini is a car with character – you can even get special mini car insurance! This small, funny looking car was named European Car of the Century, just losing out on the world title to the famous Ford Model T.

One of the main attractions of Prague is that it is a compact city with most of the favoured sights all within close proximity of each other. The best way of experiencing the romance of the Czech capital is to walk its narrow, mazy streets and see just what you can discover.

Main tourist attractions

The Charles Bridge in Prague

Charles Bridge, spanning the River Vltava is one of Prague’s much appreciated sites and is especially pretty early in the morning when there is less traffic. The bridge has stood since the 12th century and today is lined with 75 statues and has three towers along its length. The highly decorative Old Town Tower has a beautiful view from the top, especially at sunset.

Prague Castle, is the most visited attraction in Prague and with its massive interior full of interesting places to look around, such as St Vitus Cathedral, the shops and stores of the Golden Lane, the throne room and the impressive Great Hall. There is the monument to St George, Lobkowicz Palace and the Czech Art Gallery. Along with the Daliborka Tower and the Powder Tower this makes an excellent place to visit. There are also some lovely green spaces to sit and relax around the castle, including the Garden of Paradise, Garden on the Ramparts, the Royal Garden and the Garden on the Bastion.

The Old Town Square with its collection of distinguished buildings and churches and narrow, winding, cobbled lanes and alleyways. Visitors can see the Astronomical Clock, the Town Hall and the Church of Our Lady and with walks down fascinating Celetna Street. On crossing Charles Bridge they can sample the delights of the lesser town centre on the opposite bank.

Jewish Quarter tells the tragic tale of Czech’s Jewish population during the Second World War, there is the Synagogue, the old Jewish cemetery and the informative Jewish Museum that paint a vivid picture of life in Prague’s ghetto during these troubled times.

Lobby of the Radisson

Vysehrad, Praque’s second castle, leads you on a lovely romantic walk that is ideal for couples, taking you high above the River Vltava and affording splendid views across the city. The grounds of the Vysehrad make an ideal spot for a summer picnic and contain the Church of St Peter & St Paul and the cemetery.

Staying in Prague

The Radisson Blu, Alcron Hotel in Prague, with its art deco style and majestic views of the castle makes the perfect place to stay. The hotel is situated on Wenceslas Square with all the main attractions within easy walking distance. There are 206 rooms, sumptuously decorated with high ceilings and breathtaking views. The La Rotonde Restaurant, The Alcron and the Be Bop Bar are all good reasons to dine at the hotel and its award winning status guarantees you a scrumptious meal.

These cars are worth millions and they are absolutely smashing them around! These are not the kind of cars that you can get on a typical business car lease – in fact two of the cars racing are the only examples of their kind ever constructed!

Property investments have proven themselves to be instrumental in the personal financial success of many people. There are many reasons why this is so, not least of which is the fundamental need of people to have somewhere to live.

Not every location will have prospective tenants queuing up, rent money in hand. The property markets in many places are also skewed by unrealistic prices. Timing and location are the key factors to profitable investment in property, so here are twenty of the cities in Europe to grab a buy-to-let house or flat at this current moment in time.

Budapest, Hungary

Despite there being certain restrictions and taxes levied on foreign owners, there are plenty of bargain prices available in Hungary. The capital Budapest is the place to target, because the rental market is strong here, and you can sure of a decent rental income.

Skopje, Macedonia

The most famous Macedonian is Alexander the Great. His conquests of Asia minor assured him a place in the history books, could your conquest of the Skopje property scene do likewise?

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Along with all the canals and tulips, there is a lot to recommend Amsterdam for property investment. Although the legal system can sometimes seem to be unfairly skewed towards tenants at the expense of landlords, a resilient economy keeps demand high.

Istanbul, Turkey

The bridge between Asia and Europe Istanbul has always been a melting pot of cultures and a hive of economic activity. Tax rates are quite high here, and any rental income you receive will be subject to them so it is vital that you factor that into any calculations when evaluating investing here.

Zagreb, Croatia

Unfortunately there are limits on how much property a foreign owner can hold here. This is a shame, because the tourist appeal of Zagreb is very high. An investment here would be something of a gamble due to economic instabilities, but many see this region as being ‘up-and coming’

Of course any investment in property is a long term commitment. That can mean having capital out of reach for long periods of time, as well as having to ride the economic roller-coaster along with everybody else. It may be that you are better off having your money kept in a more liquid form such in savings accounts.

Buying property abroad for whatever purpose is never exactly straight forward, and for the investment buyer this is only the start of the difficulties that can be encountered.

Having absolutely trustworthy help and advice local to the place that you are buying is an absolute must. Take very great care indeed in selecting the person or company that is going to be managing the property on your behalf. In every country this sector is plagued by rip-off merchants, so finding a representative that will not take advantage of the fact that you are in a distant country is a must.

Tourists spend money. It is as simple as that, there is the reason that there is a travel industry and the reason that when you visit some places you get the feeling that you a being looked at like you are a walking cash machine. We go on holiday, we spend money, but maybe it is time to think about how we are paying.

There are certainly advantages to paying with cash. It is accepted everywhere and can be used to buy anything, but there are problems. Firstly it is vulnerable to loss and theft. On top of this changing money into foreign currency before a trip and changing the leftover back is a hassle, and the authorities will treat you like a criminal if they find out you have a decent amount on you.

A fact that is not very widely known is that if you use your credit card to make purchases abroad then this means that you can get some of the benefits of British consumer rights legislation. The law concerned is the 1974 Consumer Credit Act, which is worded in such a way as to give exactly the same protections for purchases on credit cards that are made abroad as those that are made in the UK.

If you go on holiday and make purchase with cash that turn out to be defective, then the chances are that you are on your own, at least as far as the British legal system is concerned. Luckily due to provisions buried in section 75 if the Consumer Credit Act if you pay by car you can take action against the card issuer rather than the dodgy trader in a far away land, which is much easier to arrange.

The loophole is because purchases made with credit card are classed as so-called ‘commercial agreements’. That is so long as the item being purchased is worth anywhere between £100 to £30,000. This still applies if you only used the card to put down a deposit on the item and made some other kind of arrangement for the rest.

Of course getting your credit card company to actually pay out for these kind of claims is another story. It may not be enough to raise your grievances with them, the call centre operative that you speak to is unlikely to be especially helpful, which is why it can be helpful to have proper legal representation. Solicitors that are well versed in consumer rights law will know how to get action. The law is quite clear in these cases, so things should progress in a straightforward manner.

So, next time you are abroad and are making a sizeable purchase, think twice before handing over cash or a cheque, as you may find yourself wishing that you had some means of redress.

One of the World’s most distinctive geological features, Table Mountain rises up above Cape Town. It is so called because with its unique long flat summit it resembles a table. This is often responsible for an equally distinctive long white cloud that forms above it. Whether you go up the mountain, or just admire it from the foothills, the scenery is breathtaking.  You don’t have to be a mountaineer either, as there is a cable car to the summit. It takes just six minutes and offers unparalleled views of Cape Town as it ascends.

Picture by Flickr's GOC53

The ride

A unique feature of the cable car is that it rotates while it is in motion! This can be a little disconcerting at first, however really it is ideal as it means all passengers get their chance to look out over the stunning vistas. In some ways it is like being on the world’s most impressive theme park ride – though not at stomach churning speeds of course.

What is there to do at the top of Table Mountain? You have to be of a certain mindset to go up a mountain for no other reason than it “being there”. There is much more incentive to go up Table Mountain. The summit boasts, in addition to its views naturally a top restaurant, a gift shop and a cocktail bar. Just be careful drinking at altitude though as it goes straight to your head when the air is thin.

Summit

In addition to the other facilities on top of Table Mountain, somebody had the bright idea of building a conference room. This means you can have your important business meeting at the actual summit of mountain. If you are visiting Cape Town on a business trip, hope that you are considered high flying enough for the people you are meeting to book this as the venue!

Weather

When visiting Table Mountain it is important to remember that the weather can be an issue. During adverse conditions the cable car is not able to operate. It is for this reason that the service does not offer any kind of advance bookings. When you are making your plans to visit Cape Town try to allow for a bit of flexibility so that if it is not suitable on one day you can go up on another.

The first cars going up in the morning are at 8am throughout the year, but the timings of the last ones down vary depending on the season. An adult return ticket will set you back 195 rand, which is about £15, and well worth the money.

Cape Town is very much the gateway  to South Africa. There are now regular flights to South Africa in operation from cities around the world – so why not get down to ‘the other down under’?

The town is an excellent base from where visitors can travel around the surrounding countryside travelling to the likes of Derry or taking time to wander the beautiful Glenveagh National Park, only 30 minutes away, the wildlife around Letterkenny also provides many a perfect photo opportunity.

St Eunan's Cathedral

Attractions in Letterkenny

St Eunan’s Cathedral the tallest building in Letterkenny is a relatively modern cathedral being completed in 1901 in a Victorian Neo-Gothic style with the ceilings the work of Amici of Rome and the stained glass coming from Munich. Remodelling of the cathedral in 1989 took great care to retain the carvings based on Leonardo da Vinci’s “Last Supper.”

Opposite the cathedral is the Conwal Parish Church, a fine 17th century structure where a number of prominent townsfolk are buried.

Donegal Museum based in the Warden’s house of the Letterkenny Workhouse has been preserving the history of the county since 1845 and contains original archaeological and historical artefacts surrounding the social and everyday life of the people from prehistoric periods through to the modern era.

Public artworks

The Polestar at the Port Bridge Roundabout has become one of Letterkenny’s main sculptural attractions. Made from sturdy wooden poles in the form of a ships hull and railway track, it tells the tale of the towns history of trade by rail and sea.

100 blacksmiths created the Blacksmith’s Ball, outside the Courthouse in 1991. The yellow, wooden sculpture, “The Chair” has been in Market Square since 2005, since that time it has also mysteriously been joined by a green and blue version.

The Rabble Children is a poignant sculpture from 1994 which tells the sad tale of youngsters sold into the service of farmers at Hirling Fairs in days past during May and November. The Workers Monument erected in 2001, the “Fireman’s helmet,” a part of the travellers project and the Celtic Cross of 2006 are all further examples of artistic endeavour on show around the town.

Letterkenny hotel

Staying in Letterkenny

The four-star, award winning Radisson Blu Hotel at Letterkenny provides excellent accommodation for tourists wishing to stay in the town whilst exploring the delights of Ireland’s dramatic north western landscape. This is a modern hotel with 114 sumptuously decorated rooms and an equally as delicious menu in the Rosetta awarded, TriBeCa Brasserie. There is also the Oakk Bar and Grill or the Palm Lounge where guests can relax and enjoy a friendly drink before dining.

It is possible to live and work in Ireland if you are not an EU citizen, but it will be more difficult because you will need to apply for a work permit first. Anyone who is not an EU national is required to have a work permit before working in Ireland.

Working Holiday Visa

If you are between the ages of 18 and 30 and from one of the accepting countries including Canada, New Zealand, Australia and South Korea, you can live and work in Ireland for one year on a working holiday visa. This permit is relatively easy to apply for and requires that you have sufficient funds to support yourself when you arrive and that you fill out a few forms.

However, it is important to note that the Working Holiday Visa scheme is only intended for a maximum of one year and is designed for young people on a gap year who want to pick up casual work to fund their travels around Ireland. It is not a permanent solution for someone who wants to relocate to Ireland for the long term.

Longer Term Work Permits

There are four different types of employment permits in Ireland. The first is general work permits, the second are green card permits, and then followed by spousal or dependant work permits, and last but not least, intra-company transfer permits.

Green Card Permits

These types of permits are designed for people in occupations which have annual salaries of over 60,000 Euro or who are employed in certain industries where still shortages have been identified. These industries include technology, health care, industry, finance and research. To receive the card, you need to have a job offer from an employer which is officially registered with the Revenue Commissioners for two years or more.  The Green Card Permit will be issued for two years and a renewal is not required. If you are eligible to acquire a Green Card, your spouse or children will be able to join you in Ireland immediately.

Spousal and Dependent Work Permits

If you already have a work permit in Ireland, your spouse, civil partner, or dependent under the age of 18 can also apply for a work permit. Spousal work permits only apply to partners who are legally resident in Ireland, and if you and your partner are not married or civil partners you will not be able to apply for a spousal work permit.

Intra-Company Transfer Permits

This type of permit would apply if you were working for a company overseas and then were transferred to a branch of the organization operating in Ireland. This particular scheme allows foreign nationals from outside of the EU to be transferred over to the Irish branch of their company. It is strictly limited to senior management, key personnel or employees who are undertaking a training programme.

Before applying for a work permit in Ireland, determine which of these four different types of permits apply to you. Good luck on your application to live and work in beautiful Ireland!

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Beasts

Perhaps the thing that Australia is most famous for are its animals. There are all kinds of weird and wonderful creatures in Australia, many of which are totally unique to the country, and the likes of which are not seen anywhere else on Earth. Snakes , spiders and kangaroos are just some of the iconic beasties that make the land down under their home. Sydney is home to some great attractions if this is what interests you.

Many of Australia’s creatures have a fearsome and deadly reputation, none more so than the shark. The Bondi Shark museum celebrates these fascinating creatures.  With exhibits that range from marine conservation to the artistic there is plenty to see.

Another attraction with a strong conservation message is the Sydney Aquarium. The creatures of the deep are here in all their glory. This is ideal if the Bondi Shark museum has put you off the idea of going diving! The Sydney Aquarium is massively popular, and is perhaps the premier tourist attraction in the city. Admittance is not cheap, but is certainly worth it. There are fish of all shapes and sizes, sharks, manatees, turtles and even penguins. It is a day out that you are unlikely to ever forget.

What the  aquarium is to the creatures of the sea, Taronga Zoo is to the beasts of the land. This zoo has a rich history dating back 95 years. Despite its age the zoo has kept up with the times and has the animals housed in the kind of standards we now know are needed and is also involved in cutting edge conservation work. It really is a veritable Noah’s Ark – with as you might expect Australasian animals especially well represented.

Speaking of distinctly Australian animals, you certainly don’t get more Aussie than a cuddly Koala. If you want to get up close to these marvellous marsupials then a trip to the Koala Park Sanctuary will be for you.  It’s not all Koalas here however, and you can also see and learn about emu’s, peacocks, kangaroos, wombats and dingos.

Of course it is more than possible to go out and see some of Australia’s animals that are free, wild, and in their native habitat. Sydney boast a variety of guided tours that will take you out of the city into the wide open spaces to see the furred feathered and scaled inhabitants. Examples of excursions that you can take include going to Kakadu Gorge and seeing a five metre crocodile. Struth!

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On the banks of the Volga River, Astrakhan is a major city in southern European Russia and an interesting travel destination.

Astrakhan is a city in southern European Russia, located near the mouth of the Caspian Sea next to the Volga River. The city has had a long and intriguing history. Due to its location within the lush and fertile Volga Delta, this area was rich in plants and sturgeon which made it the perfect locations for the capitals of the Golden Horde and Khazaria.

Since these ancient settlements, the city evolved and became a Russian gate to the Orient in the 17^th century. Merchants from India, Persia and Armenia have all settled here, giving the town a fascinating multicultural character. These days, it is an enticing travel destination with many interesting touristic and historical sites to visit.

Here are just a few of the fun activities you can enjoy in the city of Astrakhan, Russia. If you are looking for somewhere to stay in Astrakhan, the Radisson Blu Park Inn Astrakhan hotel is located right near the train and bus stations and close to the Narimanova Airport. It features stunning views of the city and the River Volga.

Popular attractions to enjoy in the city of Astrakhan:

Astrakhan Kremlin

Located on an island in the river, the Astrakhan Kremlin is an ancient fortress which was built during the conquest of the city by Ivan the Terrible in the late 16^th century. The iconic bell tower of this building is one of the quintessential symbols of the city. As you walk through the fortress complex you can see the St. Nicholas Church Gate, the Archbishop Tower, and the Cathedral of the Assumption.

Ribnii Rinok

If you enjoy fish, this traditional fish market is the place for you! It is located near to the train station, and you can find every kind of fish you can imagine including smoked and dried varieties. The prices are very affordable, so you can bring home some tasty fresh fish for your friends and family.

City Beach and Promenade

Astrakhan also features a pleasant waterfront promenade, perfect for a leisurely stroll. As you make your way along this scenic walkway you will see people gliding by on roller-skates, couples walking hand in hand, and people enjoying the outdoor atmosphere. This is one of the prettiest places to hang out in the city.

Volga River Cruise

What could be better on a warm summer day than a cruise down the River Volga? Many tour companies operate river cruises during the summer months from May to September. Some cruises even offer dining on board for a complete experience. You can float down the river on a relaxing boat ride and enjoy a different perspective on the city.

See a collection of images and videos from Astrakhan and enjoy exploring this beautiful Russian city.