Australian-born Banjo Beale rose to fame after winning Interior Design Masters in 2020, but his interest in interior design began when he was a child. Since his victory, Banjo has taken on various new challenges, including becoming a judge on Scotland’s Home of the Year, publishing his forthcoming book Wild Isle Style, and hosting his own show, Designing the Hebrides on BBC Two.

Banjo’s love of interior design stems from his fascination with getting to know his clients and creating schemes that go beyond their wildest dreams. His personal style incorporates deep, saturated colours mixed with relaxed rattan, faded terracotta, and time-worn antiques, all while adding a wow factor to every room.

Travel and location play a crucial role in Banjo’s designs. He finds inspiration in nature everywhere he goes, and his schemes incorporate the wild, from rural textures to botanicals. Being Australian and living in Scotland has also influenced his style, creating a mix of relaxed, coastal cool and warm, toasty tones.

Designing the Hebrides follows Banjo as he revamps amazing spaces in wild locations, such as a castle turret, lighthouse cottage, gin bar, and bothy. The show highlights the challenges of designing in a remote location with limited resources, wild weather, and hard-to-reach locations, making it a hilarious, anxiety-inducing rollercoaster ride.

Banjo’s most special project is the bothy on the Isle of Ulva, where he transformed the unloved building with zero budget, zero transport, and only two days during a hurricane at the start of winter.

He enjoyed it so much that his dream project is to build a faded but glamorous hotel in Kolkata, India.

Banjo Beale’s journey in interior design is proof that saying yes to everything, no matter how wild or scary it may seem, can lead to remarkable adventures and endless possibilities, Here’s what he had to say:

Banjo, it’s a pleasure to chat with you Firstly, congratulations on your victory in Interior Design Masters last year! Can you share with us what you have been up to since the show ended?

After the show I decided to just say yes to everything, no matter how wild or scary it seemed. I went into Interior Design Masters with a dream of becoming an interior designer and it came true! Along the way, I somehow added TV judge (on Scotland’s Home of the Year on BBC Scotland), author of a forthcoming book Wild Isle Style (out in October) and host of my very own show, Designing the Hebrides on BBC Two.

2. Has your interest in interior design been a lifelong passion or did it develop over time?

I loved rearranging my mums living room when I was wee boy. I’d do it every Sunday and I’d always have to return it to how it was at the end of the day. But I loved playing around and painting my room every season. I grew up on a race track in a very small town in the Australian outback so we didn’t really know interior design was a career path. Then I moved to a really small island in the middle of nowhere in Scotland so naturally, I applied to go on the nations most popular interior design show to launch a career.

What do you find most enjoyable about the art of interior design?

Getting to learn about a client, like, really learn about them, their hopes and dreams, who they are and how they want to live and create a scheme beyond their wildest dreams. I love the thrill of the hunt too, sourcing gorgeous one of a kind antiques from Swedish folk cabinets to one metre high giant verdigris copper lanterns from the 18th century.

Does travel and location play a part in your designs and how does this inspire you?

I’m inspired by nature everywhere I go and all of my schemes incorporate the wild, from rural textures to botanicals. I also think being Australian, living in Scotland, my wandering, wayfaring eye creates a mix of relaxed, coastal cool from the antipodes to the warm, toasty tones of the Hebrides.

Can you describe your personal interior design style? Have your tastes changed over time?

My style is cool, calm and collected. I love saturated, deep colours like forest green velvet or masala mohair, mixed with relaxed rattan, faded terracotta and time worn antiques. Always with a wow piece, whether it’s an oversize, reclaimed light moment or contemporary piece of furniture that pops against the old.

We’re thrilled to hear about your new show, Designing the Hebrides. Can you provide some insight into the show’s concept?

It picks up where Interior Design Masters left off. After the final I decided I wanted to launch my design business on Mull, an island in the inner Hebrides of Scotland. It’s a wild and remote place, perched on the edge of the Atlantic – quicker to get to Iceland than London. The show follows me as I do up amazing spaces in wild places, like a castle turret, lighthouse cottage, gin bar and a bothy, which is a refuge for trekkers and fisherman, two hours walk from the nearest road.

Designing a project in such a remote location sounds like quite the challenge. Did you encounter any mishaps during the process?

The entire show is one big adventure (and misadventure). Living on an island forces you to be resourceful. We have no real shops to find interior bits and one very sparse hardware store, so you have to be really organised or make it yourself. I’m not organised so that’s a recipe for disaster. Or a good tv show. Through in wild weather, hard to reach locations, where a small boat or two hour walk is the only route in and straight talking locals who don’t mind telling me what I’m doing is rubbish, and you have an hilarious, anxiety inducing rollercoaster of a show

Of all the spaces you have designed, which one holds the most special place in your heart, and why?

The bothy, located on the Isle of Ulva, was a special experience. The island was purchased by the locals (from private ownership) and is home to only 8 people. They asked me to help regenerate the island and do up this small cabin so they could start making money and attract tourists. We had two days, zero money and no transport so we had to be really clever, use only what we could find on the island and complete the work during a hurricane at the start of winter. 3 of us working on the bothy along with two camera crew camped and build on top of each other for two days to completely transform the unloved building. I couldn’t believe the results.

If you were given the opportunity to design any room or space in the world with an unlimited budget, what would be your dream project?

I’d love to build a hotel in India. The sights, sounds and colours are beyond spectacular. My husband and I have spent a collective year living out there. It would be in Kolkata, an often forgotten and underestimated city. Fragrant Bengali food, colonial architecture, yellow cabs that look straight out of 1950’s New York and miles and miles of marigold markets would be the backdrop to a faded but glamorous hotel that would attract gangsters, grannies, rockstars and fashion designers.

We hear that you’re currently writing a book. Could you tell us a bit more about what to expect from it?

It’s called Wild Isle Style. It’s inspired by living on an island and is a roadmap to creating authentic and resourceful interiors, that don’t cost the earth – the planet and the purse. It’s about embracing reclaimed, collecting, sourcing and curating treasure and celebrating characters who make wild interiors in magical places.

You’ve accomplished so much already with your TV show, a gorgeous coffee table book, and your designs for clients. What exciting projects do you have lined up for this year?

Amongst all of the crazy telly stuff and book I have not forgotten my dream of being an interior designer. I have been working on two gorgeous, five story Grade I listed townhouses in Bath that look straight out of Bridgerton; a farmshop on Mull and a seven bedroom Grade II Jacobean Manor House in Wiltshire. I’ve had to build a team and I’m working with Amy Davies, my fellow finalist and now bestie to bring some of these spaces to life.

I’m also looking for a little more balance now the book and tv show is finished, so perhaps a holiday is in order too. I’m thinking somewhere warm and tropical to thaw out after a long winter.

Banjo’s new show Designing the Hebrides is on at 8pm on BBC Two on Wednesdays or you can watch the entire series on BBC IPlayer, its brilliant just like him and well worth a binge!

Photography by Alex Baxter

If you have been watching BBC Interior Design Masters this year you will recognise the lovely Peter Irvine, a seasoned Visual Merchandiser from Belfast with over a decade of experience under his belt.

His passion for creativity has been a driving force in his life since childhood, from crafting in summer camps to pursuing art school before eventually finding his calling as a stylist.

I caught up with Peter for a chat about his time on the show and what he has been up to since.

Peter’s talents don’t stop there – he’s also an accomplished renovator, having personally transformed his home in Belfast, Northern Ireland into a textured, calm minimalist dream space. With a natural flair for design and an eye for detail, Peter is certainly one to watch.

In this interview, we’ll dive into Peter’s background, his current work, and what inspires him to create. Get ready to be inspired by the master of minimalism himself.

When did your passion for interior design begin?

I can precisely pin it to the Summer I turned 10. I returned home from a holiday in Florida with my Dad and my Mum had redecorated my entire room with the most incredible ocean-scape design, she had spray painted huge waves that looked so realistic and I remember the ceiling being aqua green, I had only ever seen white ceilings before- this mesmerised me!

From then, every bedroom i’ve designed for myself has been a themed wonder and an escape from reality, I think that’s why I design the way I do.

Can you describe your personal interior style in a few words?

I call my design style Natural Escapism. Peaceful, Imperfect, Transportive but not totally unrealistic.

Does travel influence your designs?

Travel is a huge influence in how I decorate, I consider myself a curator of feelings as opposed to a curator of things. I like to echo times in life when people have felt at ease and that’s often on warm destination holidays. So I mimic the elements involved: Airy tones, Natural elements, Not too many things around, and Simplicity. Things may not make sense here in a UK setting but that’s ok, Interior Design is always about throwing in a little cheekiness and that’s how I do it!

As an avid fan of Interior Design Masters, what motivated you to participate?

I’ve watched every creative show there is and like so many I often wondered what it was like to be a part of it. I knew I could do it, maybe not win, but certainly try! I just thought I’m getting out of this hamster wheel and making it happen!

The application process was fun, you got to share with new faces why you love what you love and they are so eager to listen. Further on in the process, you get a mock brief which was so exciting, your first taste of what it’s like to be on the show and it only made me more excited to live in this world of Interior Design!

Which week on the show was your favourite, and what made it stand out for you?

I think my favourite was the first week. I’d finally landed in this crazy new world with all these incredibly talented designers and I felt like I truly belonged.

Don’t get me wrong I was intimidated as hell but I tried to keep my cool, I didn’t want to go home, back to my humble reality.

Then in Week two I met Sophie Robinson and she was so kind, so maybe my favourite week was that one!

Out of all the rooms you’ve designed, which one are you the most proud of, and what makes it special to you?

Shockingly, my favourite week might have been my elimination week, It was the first week I truly believed I’d nailed it, whilst I knew there was an issue with the size of my seating in the beach hut I designed, I felt like I had taken on previous feedback from the judges about putting the client at the heart of the design. I also felt that I had made a space that was super practical and a space that also had my DNA at its core with a base of natural materials and a feeling of being transported. I’m still proud, perhaps judging was just getting harsh at this stage.

Top five tips for creating a stunning and functional living space with our readers?

-Simplify. Declutter your space and only have what’s essential in the room, it makes space for beautiful decorative items.

-Don’t buy out of convenience. Everything can be beautiful, don’t buy the first whisk or tea towel you see. Take time to gather items that look good as well as function, they’re all out there. Even clothes pegs can be lovely, it all curates a more beautiful life around you.

-Go Natural. Try to eliminate as much plastic and metal as you can from your decor, these always have a manufactured feeling which is connected with the idea of work and machinery. Objects from the earth exude peace and calm.

-Tones, tones, tones. To add depth but keep the space simple, use neighbouring tones of a the same colour for things like cushions.

-Baskets. I think there’s a basket for everything in our house. They’re a great way to hide things like beauty products, documents and even the wifi router.

What projects have you been working on, and what exciting plans do you have for the future?

Since the show, I’ve gone back to normal life with the huge exception that I’m being recognised every day while I’m dressing the mannequins! People have been so lovely and so supportive now that the show has aired and I love hearing their opinions on everything. There’s also the regular occurrence of visiting my newfound friends, I’m always excited to see them. I’ve recently been working on an redesigning and apartment here in Belfast for a lovely new client who really appreciates my design style.

I would love to do more TV work now that i’ve been bitten by the bug, but who knows, hopefully, one day you’ll see me on screen again.

If you haven’t already been watching BBC Interior Design Masters you can see Peter’s designs and catch up on all the episodes on BBC iPlayer, I can’t wait to see where his passion for design takes him next.

What once was a love-hate relationship with the rubber clogs has now turned into a full-blown obsession. From those classic style clogs to the trendy Crocs slides, Crocs have become a versatile and comfortable wardrobe staple for people of all ages.

Let’s look at five ways that Crocs shoes can update your wardrobe and make it more functional, comfortable, and trendy without breaking the bank. Plus, we’ll show you how to pair them with versatile and comfortable clothing for the ultimate wardrobe revamp.

Crocs Shoes for Every Lifestyle

Gone are the days when Crocs were only associated with gardening and the beach. Nowadays, you can find Crocs shoes in various styles and colors to fit every lifestyle.

Crocs offers classic clogs in a sports-mode version for the active and adventurous, perfect for hiking or water activities. The Crocs LiteRide collection also provides comfort and support for those on the move.

For those looking for more casual options, Crocs offers a range of slides that are great for everyday wear. The Classic Slide and Crocband Slide come in various colors and can easily be dressed up or down.

The Most Well-Known & Popular Crocs Clogs

Crocs clogs are the brand’s most well-known and popular style, loved by millions for their comfort and versatility. With various colors to choose from, you’re sure to find a pair of Crocs clogs that suit your style.

Pair them with your favorite jeans or leggings for a laid-back weekend look, or dress them up with a skirt or dress for a more polished outfit.

Go Casual With Crocs Slides

If you’re looking for a more casual option, Crocs slides are a great choice. The Classic Slide is perfect for running errands or walking around town, while the Crocband Slide adds a sporty touch to any outfit.

The Crocs Sloane Collection offers slides with embellishments like crystals and metallic straps for a more stylish option. Pair them with denim shorts and a t-shirt for an effortless summer look.

Pairing Crocs With Versatile Clothing

While Crocs are known for their comfort and functionality, they can also be stylish when paired with the right clothing. Here are some tips for pairing your Crocs with versatile and comfortable clothing:

• For a casual look, pair Crocs clogs with denim shorts or leggings and a graphic t-shirt.
• Pair them with a maxi skirt or dress and some statement jewelry to dress up your Crocs.
• Pair Crocs slides with athletic shorts or leggings and a tank top for a sporty look.
• For a trendy and comfortable outfit, pair your Crocs with high-waisted jeans, a crop top and a denim jacket.

Personalize Your Look With Crocs Jibbitz

To make your Crocs even more personalized and fun, consider adding Crocs Jibbitz to your shoes. Jibbitz are small, decorative charms that you can attach to the holes in your Crocs.

There are a variety of Jibbitz designs to choose from, including cartoon characters, sports teams and even food items.

Revamp Your Wardrobe With Versatile Crocs

Crocs have come a long way from their humble beginnings as garden shoes. With various styles and colors, they are now a staple in many people’s wardrobes for their comfort and versatility.

Whether running errands or dressing up for a night out, there’s a pair of Crocs for every occasion. Pair them with versatile, comfortable clothing to create a stylish, functional wardrobe. Remember to add some Crocs Jibbitz for a personalized touch.

Foodie’s visiting Antigua must check-in to Hammock Cove. This luxury 5* hotel has a big focus on food and delivers a gastronomic punch. Located on Antigua’s northeast coast, next to Devil’s Bridge National Park, this all-inclusive resort is impressive. Expect upscale accommodation, exceptional service and creative Caribbean cuisine set against the backdrop of a soft powder white beach and turquoise waters.

The man behind the menu at Hammock Cove is Marco Festini Cromer, who has a wealth of experience having worked in some of the world’s finest restaurants including three-Michelin starred Les Pres D’Eugenie, The Ivy, J Sheekey and Daphne’s in Barbados. Marco and his team have ripped up the all-inclusive rule book and are setting the highest standards and bringing innovative dining to Antigua.

Guests staying at Hammock Cove will experience a unique culinary journey. Unlike other all-inclusive resorts there’s not a buffet in sight. The focus here is fine dining, everything is a la carte and if there’s something you fancy and it’s not on the menu, don’t be afraid to ask. Chef Marco and owner, Rob Barrett are both friendly and approachable. They are often around at breakfast, chatting to guests and gathering feedback on their stay. Both pressing that the team will go the extra mile to cater for any requests and to just ask.

The hotel offers all day dining direct to your luxury villa, which has its own private pool and a huge, shady deck where you can kick back and soak up views of the cove while you dine. When you check in to the hotel you are greeted by your own personal ambassador who is on speed dial for just about anything including any requests for late night nibbles you might be craving. If you don’t want to eat in your villa then head to Irina’s Bistro, here you can enjoy breakfast, lunch or a more casual dinner. The menu is refreshed daily and has plenty of choice but expect delicious detox juices, fresh salads using local ingredients, light bites and more substantial plates.

Experiential dining is a big focus here. There’s a daily culinary showcase for guests to enjoy from caviar and bubbles on the beach to cookery demonstrations through to sushi workshops. Each one highlights fabulous food accompanied by that laid back, friendly Caribbean style but doesn’t compromise on excellent service.

There’s wine tasting and pairing and every Wednesday you can book into the Lighthouse for a seven-course tasting experience. The Lighthouse is the hotel’s jewel in the crown. Boasting panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, it’s an idyllic setting for this gourmet extravaganza. Curated by Marco, the menu is designed to be a journey through the flavours of the region, starting with lighter dishes like delicate shrimp gyoza, jam packed with taste before progressing to a succulent, tender sous vide top sirloin accompanied by a glass of full-bodied Californian Cabernet Sauvignon, smooth and rich in plum, pepper and chocolate notes. The resort’s sommelier is brimming with knowledge and on hand to guide guests through the pairing process and to provide insight into the wines and cocktails being served. Each course is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds and beautifully presented.

Hammock Cove is the place to stay for foodies and those looking for special dining experiences. With its breathtaking views, creative cuisine, and impeccable service, it is sure to impress even the most discerning of diners.

A 7-night stay at Hammock Cove Antigua is from £3,018 per person on an all-inclusive basis valid for September 2023 arrivals. To book visit eliteislandholidays.com or call 01245 459 906

House of Coco flew to Antigua with Virgin Atlantic. Virgin Atlantic flies direct between London Heathrow Antigua with return fares from £487 per person, including complimentary food, drink, inflight entertainment and taxes. For further information visit www.virginatlantic.com or call 0344 8747 747. This fare is available for departure on 24th February 2023 and is for seven nights. Prices given are correct as of 20th April 2023 and are subject to change.

It’s rare to be in the position to try a restaurant so soon after it has received its Michelin star but a spontaneous trip to Plymouth across Easter weekend and a fortunate cancellation resulted in me sat at a table for two in Boringdon Hall, overlooking the cosy bar area and wall sculpture dating back to 905.

Chef Scott Paton and his team underwent numerous visits before being awarded a first star for Àclèaf, Borringdon’s finer dining restaurant. Its four-course menu (with optional additional cheese course and wine pairing) presents guests with four options to choose from for each one. With so much produce grown and sourced from the grounds and surrounding local area, I was particularly keen to try the seafood courses, as well as any dishes with garden ingredients such as the Boringdon bees’ honey (don’t worry, for anyone who remembers, the previous lavender-crazed ones have been replaced).

Quite the spread of bread and hors d’oeuvres arrived at the table, with truffle honey butter; beignets and manchego bites making up a few of the dishes – the range of flavours cutting through nicely with the delicate toasted flavour of a glass of Gusbourne sparkling wine.

No dinner is complete with some small form of entertainment and Àclèaf’s take on that is a small survey you have to fill out at the beginning of your meal. Presented with a selection of shapes, colours and leaves, you make these unknown choices based on whatever you’re drawn to – before handing them back to the waiting staff for a surprise later on down the line. You’re told nothing more and simply move onto your four courses.

Wanting to sample as much of the menu as possible, we opted for different dishes – focusing on one meat and one fish choice. To start with, we selected the chicken liver parfait with brioche and the scallop in citrus with green chilli. The first was a mouthful of luxury; delectably rich and creamy and with the choice to spread it across the crispy, flaky brioche or enjoy it solo and butter up your bread instead. The scallop was served as a tartare, the lime and chilli complementing the chunks of raw fish beautifully – though there could have been more of a kick.

The crab with curry and mango in the next course was refreshing in both senses of the word. Packed full of crisp taste and zesty flavour, the dish was also very meaty (something that’s absent even in non-tasting menu portions). We were torn between the turbot and “the hen” – actually guineafowl – and while roasted poultry is simply delicious, it’s probably not what I’d choose to order at a fine dining restaurant, particularly one that was just awarded a Michelin star. However the texture of the turbot dish wasn’t fully sold to us so guineafowl it was. It was undeniably tasty but nothing special so I’d take a risk on the turbot, if I were you, as the table next to us did and had more positive things to say. Diner’s regret – we’ve all been there.

The wagyu fillet was a gorgeous cut of meat – served with a haggis beignet and potato slice and a thick gravy drizzled over. This dish saw comfort meet decadence, the satisfaction a steak brings to both a (carnivore’s) palate and stomach – with the refined elegance of a starred restaurant. The sole was very interesting. Presented rolled up, it was glazed in a buerre blanc and served with broccoli puré, a lemon Dashi gel and topped with dried caviar. Impressive and innovative.

Pre-dessert, guests can opt to have a cheese course – at an additional cost of £16 per person. This was quite the show. A range of quince jams, parmesan scones, fresh honey, sliced pear and more arrived at the table before the cheese cart even pulled up. We then sampled a generous selection of Golden Cross goats cheese, 60-month aged Davidstow cheddar, solstice and Oxford blue – all of which were truly enjoyable. While a real treat, and one we opted in for, I found it to be an imbalanced serving compared the rest of the tasting menu. Though far be it from me to claim that too much cheese is ever a possibility, it kind of was here. We struggled to finish the table of treats and I think halving the portion – and the price – would result in a happier dynamic all around.

Remember those forms we filled out at the beginning of the meal? Well, the results came back in the form of palate-cleansers. Unknowingly, I’d selected a sour plate, with lime, vanilla and kiwi making up my (approved) surprise. The other options were sweet and savoury – but you’ll have to dine at Àclèaf yourself to see what you end up with on your plate.

Finally, it was time for our fourth and final course: steering away from the classic chocolate choice in an act of rogue behaviour, we ended up with a coconut mango cake dessert and a white chocolate and raspberry situation; both offering a light and sweet finish to the meal.

Should you be looking for your next occasion-worthy restaurant or perhaps be visiting Plymouth for the weekend, a booking at Àclèaf should be on your radar. Our tip? Book a celebratory stay at Boringdon Hall, enjoying the tranquilities of its Gaia Spa and save Àclèaf for a particularly special night.

Àclèaf’s four-course menu is priced at £120 pp.

acleaf.co.uk

Pets are among the best travel companions you can tag along with on vacation. As reported by statistics, 78% of pet owners regularly travel with their pets each year, and 58% would even rather have their pets as a travel buddy than a friend or family member. There are numerous advantages pet owners can get from traveling with their pets, such as:

1. Combat loneliness
2. Reduce anxiety (especially for travelers who have anxiety when traveling in planes, trains, or other vehicles)
3. Uplift your moods and help you adjust in new, faraway places
4. Strengthen your bond
5. More quality time with your furry friend

But before you take off somewhere with your pet, there are a few things you’ll need to plan and consider to ensure your vacation goes smoothly and stress-free. So, read below and learn the crucial things to consider when traveling with your beloved pet.

1. Book a pet-friendly accommodation

Before booking tickets for your travel, it’s recommended that you find first pet-friendly accommodation. You wouldn’t want to book your roundtrip tickets only to discover that there’s not one pet-friendly lodging in your destination. So, to avoid inconvenience, it’s best to look for some hotels or pet friendly homes that accept the type of pet you have.

Although some hotels claim to be pet-friendly, they may impose rules and set limitations regarding your pet’s age, species/breed, and weight. Others may also accept pets but will require their guests to place them in a separate room. So, to ensure you and your pet are together 24/7 throughout your vacation, you can rent or book a pet-friendly retreat house instead.

Pet-friendly holiday homes can offer your pet a wider and more secure environment. They usually have a grassed area or a courtyard within the house’s gated perimeter where your pet or pets can roam around freely. But remember to speak with the staff about their restrictions to know if this is the right accommodation for you and your furry friend.

2. Bring your pet to the vet for a full health check

Like humans, some pets may not be allowed to travel when they have certain health conditions. To ensure your pet is in perfect health and shape for your vacation, take them to the vet first for a full health check. The vet will see if your pet has up-to-date vaccinations and is in proper physical and mental health to travel.

In addition, during your vet visit, have the doctor issue some health certifications and documents, as airlines, hotels, and some destinations may ask for your pet’s health records. You can also have your pet microchipped by the vet. That way, in case your pet gets lost and is picked up by other pet owners or pet shelters/offices, they can contact you immediately.

3. Prepare other identification of your pet

Did you know that about ten million pets are lost or go missing yearly and end up in different animal shelters? The risk of losing your pet is exceptionally high when traveling or on vacation. Fortunately, you can prevent this from happening by taking the proper precautions and preparations to ensure your pet is always with you.

Besides microchipping, you may also need to prepare other papers or items for your pet’s identification. These include:

1. Sturdy leash and collar with your pet’s name and your phone number (should be worn all the time)
2. A recent portrait of your dog or a picture with you
3. A dog ID tag issued by your vet

These identifications can help increase your chances of finding your pet in case they get away during the trip.

4. Check the laws or regulations for every destination regarding traveling with pets

As much as traveling without an exact destination sounds exciting and freeing, that shouldn’t be the case when traveling with pets. Keep in mind that not all states or destinations have the same laws or policies regarding welcoming pets from different destinations. Without a plan, you might end up frustrated about leaving your pet at the airport or completely cancel the trip because you can’t take your pet with you.

Thus, for your next vacation with your pet, research the laws and policies for each destination you plan to visit. Some may specify the specific pet breeds banned from their region or require pets to be muzzled and secured in a crate or cage. Others may also require pet owners to present the vet-signed health records of their pets to ensure they are healthy and free from any disease.

The bottom line is, intense preparation and planning are necessary when choosing destinations for you and your pet’s trip. The more prepared you are, the less stress you’ll encounter during your vacation.

5. Determine the best mode of transport to travel with your pet

There are many options on how you can travel with your pet. You can travel in your own car or board a train, boat, or plane. However, make sure you choose the best means of transport that is easier for you and your pet.

As per statistics, 38% of pet owners prefer traveling with their pets via their own vehicles because it’s more convenient. They won’t have to go through the hassle of airport check-ins, security complications, and dealing with complaining co-travelers or passengers. Car rides are also less stressful for some pets because they’re already familiar with the vehicle compared to planes or trains in which the new surroundings may cause anxiety or confusion to the pet.

On the other hand, if you must travel by plane because you’re vacationing abroad, it’d be good to know that intense preparation should be done. Not all airlines allow passengers to bring pets unless they are guide dogs. Meanwhile, airlines that allow animal passengers usually impose rules and criteria on the type of pet, breed, size, or weight of the animal allowed to go on board.

In most cases, pets must be contained in a proper animal carrier and placed in the cargo space of the airplane. But for small-sized pets, some airlines may allow them to fly in-cabin with their owners. To be sure, check with your chosen airlines and their rules regarding pets and see if they’re the best option for you and your pet.

6. Pack your pet’s suitcase

Lastly, don’t forget to pack your pet’s suitcase. Like you, your pet will also need some stuff for the entire vacation. Here are some of the essentials you mustn’t miss when packing your pet’s suitcase:

1. All complete health records, certificates, and other documentation
2. Collar, leash, and harness with your pet’s number and your phone number
3. Food dishes and water bowls
4. Poop bags and a sandbox (for cats)
5. Favorite toy(s)
6. Bed and blankets with the scent of your home
7. First aid kid for pets
8. Vitamins and prescribed medications
9. Grooming kits
10. Pet clothes (optional)

Whatever the length of your trip is, having all these prepared in advance can help guarantee the best possible vacation experience for you and your furry friend.

Wrapping Up

Traveling with pets doesn’t sound impossible or challenging as long as you know what to prepare and consider. Remember, the point of vacationing with your pet is to relax and have fun. So, keep all these things in mind and take care of whatever needs to be cared for so you go on vacation with your furry friend without problems and worries.

Home House is an iconic members club in Portman Square with an interesting history. The building was originally commissioned in the 18th century by Jamaican born Lady Home as a place to party when she was in London. The Countess, in her late 60’s, twice widowed and childless, held such lavish parties that she became known as the Queen of Hell! The club is made up of three Georgian houses, all with their unique style; one side of the house fills you with old school grandeur, it has opulently decorated drawing rooms and an Imperial staircase which leads to a large glass dome in the roof; we particularly liked spotting the the discreetly disguised doors that served as private passageways…if these walls could talk! The other side of Home has modernity, a playful party feel and of course, this was the perfect setting for the gin launch.

The evening was hosted by Home House’s General Manager, Giuseppe De Wilde and award winning luxury distillery Oro’s Head Distiller, Ray Clynick. Inspired by the Countess’ favourite drink, De Wilde approached the Lockerbie based distillery with a clear concept and goal to capture the extraordinary heritage of Home.

The exclusive tutored tasting had us holding things that looked like cloves, bits of wood and was that a rock? As Clynick, once a chemical biologist turned distiller took us through the botanicals, we smiled wherever we correctly identified something. We recognised dried orange and lemon peel but only because we were brave and ate it! This gin has taken inspiration from Lady Home’s travels; Murcian Orange and Lemons, Guatemalan Cardamom, Madagascan Cinnamon, Macedonian Juniper, the most interesting ingredient by far is the Lignum Vitae, the national flower of Jamaica. Also known as the wood of life, it is an ode to Lady Home’s Jamaican roots and a very rare ingredient to be used in spirits bringing an earthy and slightly spicy note.

We soon realised the versatility of the gin; served with plenty of ice, tonic, mango bitters and a garnish of dried mango, left you feeling fruity and yet classic. When in a Home House Negroni, it becomes punchy, full of depth and flavour and a completely different experience. The final cocktail, a White Lady, is a refreshing citrus explosion. The gin can do it can do it all and was awarded a silver medal at the World Gin Awards 2023 in the London Dry Gin category before it was even available to Members!

The bespoke nature continues to the bottle design. The team took inspiration from the Art Deco period and the House’s architectural elements but the elegance and opulence comes from the glass stopper. It feels like an ode to a crystal decanter; we can’t wait to bring out the bottle at our next party to see who notices this design touch!

The first batch has been snapped up by members and for those of us not on the list, we can enjoy the Home House London Dry Gin by either being a plus one of a member or by staying in one of the twenty-three luxurious bedrooms. With access to two restaurants, five bars, opulent dining rooms, two outdoor balconies, a boutique gym, spa and The Vaults nightclub, a staycation may be nice but perhaps a membership is in order!

Do you have a passion for horse racing and want to level up your betting game? If so, you might want to look into in-play betting, which is a fast-growing part of horse racing that has a lot to offer fans and bettors who are serious about the sport. What is in-play betting for horse racing? How does it function? What are the advantages? We’ll answer these questions and more in this post. You shouldn’t ignore in-play betting, whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a new lover of horse racing. The benefits of in-play betting on horse races are numerous; let’s dig in!

1. What Is In-Play Betting, And Why Is It Great for Horse Racing Enthusiasts?

“In-play” betting, also called “live” or “in-running” betting, is for people who want to place bets on sports events while they are happening. Bets may be placed on a horse race at any time, not just before it begins, which is very useful for live events. People who like to bet on horse races often benefit from “in-play” betting because it lets them respond quickly to changing situations and new information.

You’ll have more say over your bets and the ability to adapt to the progress of the race by doing so. If you’re a lover of horse racing and want to improve your betting experience, the in-play betting alternative is the way to go. It offers a number of fascinating chances that aren’t accessible with standard pre-race betting.

2. Tips To Maximize Your Profits With In-Play Betting

Many tactics and ideas may be used to improve your odds of winning during in-play betting and maximize your income. One important piece of advice is to keep in mind the significance of the race conditions and track surfaces. If, for example, the track is wet and muddy, horses that have run well in similar conditions before may have an advantage.

Another piece of advice is to keep a careful eye on the situation and search for smart betting possibilities as they arise. For instance, if you see that a horse that was in the back early on is making up ground, you might wish to wager on it for the finish. If you pay close attention to the race and are ready to adjust your bets depending on what you learn, in-play betting provides you a far higher chance of making the most money possible.

3. Making the Most of In-Play Betting By Understanding Market Movements

Keeping up with how the market changes is one of the most important parts of making money by betting on horse races while they are happening. The performance of the horses, the state of the track, and the wagering habits of other bettors are just a few of the factors that might cause bookmakers’ odds to shift, or “move the market,” during a race.

You might be able to make more money and lose less if you keep track of these changes and take advantage of differences in the odds given by different bookies. You might want to use that bookmaker instead if you discover that their odds on a particular horse are significantly better than those of another bookmaker.

If you keep an eye on the market, you may also modify your wagers in real-time to take advantage of the odds as they change. Ultimately, knowing how the market works is crucial for every in-play bettor, as it allows you to stay one step ahead of the competition and increase your chances of winning.

4. How To Find the Best Value on Your In-Play Bets

If you want to make the most of your betting experience and optimize your winnings, you need to get the greatest value on your in-play bets. One strategy for doing this is to seek out horses with odds that are higher than their true probabilities of winning.

Value bets are placed on these horses because of the high potential returns they offer. Value bets may be found with the use of odds comparison websites, expert analysis and projections, and real-time data feeds, among other methods. By looking at the odds offered by multiple bookies and looking for horses that are being undervalued, you might find high-value chances and increase your profits.

Focusing on a subset of races for which you have a deep knowledge of the horses and conditions can help you spot value bets more quickly. You can get the most out of live betting and increase your chances of winning by doing a lot of research and analysis before you place your bets.

5. Tactics for Minimizing Risk When Placing an In-Play Bet

Bets placed during a race’s progress can be thrilling and pay off well, but beware of the dangers that come along with them. There are several strategies and techniques you can use when betting on a game that is still going on to reduce your risk and protect your bankroll.

Spreading your bets over several horses or races is a common way to lower your risk of losing and increase your chances of winning. Setting strict limits on your betting, like a maximum amount you can lose or a maximum number of bets per race, will help you avoid making hasty or emotional decisions about your bets. In addition, stop-loss orders and hedging tactics might help you cut your losses if the race doesn’t go as planned.