Posts tagged summer

A Well Deserved Break (even if I do say so myself).

Had a lovely weekend which always seems to make Monday morning that bit more difficult. We decided to go camping in Devon at the last minute but unfortunately everybody north of Bristol had also had this idea so we had no luck finding a campsite with a vacant pitch. Instead we headed off in the car in search of a sunny beach eventually finding ourselves at Lyme Regis.

The town is best known for its fossils, 10 minutes digging in the cliffs that line one end of the bay are likely to result in at least one new type of Dinosaur being found. The beach was very busy but we eventually found a quiet spot and enjoyed the sunshine.

lime-regis

On the way home we drove behind a great retro looking VW split-screen van in powder blue. I never seem to notice these in the winter but come summer they are all over the place. I bet used van sales go up massively in the sunny months.

There is something strangely tiring about sitting on the beach all day (or maybe it was traipsing through town in search of suncream) and I was in bed by 10pm a shade pinker and a lot more relaxed :)

Car Hire and Petrol Prices Falling in Europe

It’s not very often that you hear good news about fuel prices. The normal trend seems to be price rises even when the oil price goes down. This makes sense I suppose, why pass on the saving to the consumer if they are going to buy fuel anyway? Anyway, back to the good news before this deteriorates into a rant…

Fuel costs in mainland Europe are apparently 12% less this year than last and the cost of hiring a car is also falling. This is good news for tourists looking to keep costs down this summer particularly those visiting Switzerland where unleaded petrol is currently at 91p per litre. Everything else in Switzerland is massively over priced (over £4 for a Cappuccino?!) so if you’re not paid Swiss wages you might want to keep on driving.

The cost of renting a car has also fallen across the continent with Portugal seeing a 21% drop in price and french car hire also coming down in price. One place where driving costs are increasing is Florida where ‘gas’ prices and the week pound are affecting British holidaymakers. I would be surprised if it was anymore expensive than driving here though as petrol prices in the US are still much lower than in the UK.

“This year’s report shows more evidence of price cutting activity to boost tourism in popular European summer holiday resorts. The huge drop in costs in both Portugal and Greece is great news for UK tourists and is another factor that should be taken into consideration when choosing a holiday this year.”
Sarah Munro, Post Office head of travel

Escape with VW

Volkswagen have launched a new site to celebrate their reputation as van makers of choice for those with an eye for adventure. The popularity of their camper vans with surfers and other outdoor types is clear to see, particularly in the summer time.

The site VWescape.co.uk is tied in with a series of summer events including the GoldCoast Oceanfest in Devon and the Blackheath Bike and Kite Festival in London. At the these events people will be able to have a look at some of the Volkswagen vans for sale the Caravelle and the California.

There will also be a chance to look around some split screen camper vans that will no doubt be out and about this summer. The used vans seem to all come out of the woodwork once the sun is shining!

Car Hire Discount Codes for Summer – ending soon.

Just a quick heads-up for those looking to make their summer holidays a little cheaper (aren’t we all?) Here are some summer car hire discount codes for easyCar. Enter these codes at www.easycar.com for up to 15% discount on summer car hire. I think this covers all areas but I have only checked car hire from Aberdeen airport and car hire at Heathrow airport so far. This discount depends on the month – the earlier you book the cheaper it is. Codes are entered in the ‘get a quote’ section of the site. These end at midnight tomorrow (22/06) so you will have to be quick!

5% off all cars in July – promo code HOT

up to 10% off in August – promo code HOTTER

up to 15% off in September – promo code SCORCHIO

easyCar Car Hire

easy tiger!

easy tiger!

How To Choose Swimwear To Suit Your Body Type.

As the summer approaches our thoughts turn to those brief few weeks when it is actually warm enough to go outside wearing any less clothing than your average Atlantic fisherman. The English are genetically pre disposed to throwing off their clothes at the first sight of sunshine like a primitive tribe celebrating the fact that the ball of fire in the sky has finally returned. As our thoughts turn to beach holidays and summer BBQs here is a guide to the best type of swimwear to suit your body type. (This guide is for women, if you are a man wear swim shorts, nothing else is suitable.)

rosie huntington-whiteley

rosie huntington-whiteley


Swimsuits.

Those who are slightly less confident tend to wear a traditional swimsuit but it is not just for those who wish to cover up. A suit with a halterneck draws attention to the top of your body so is ideal for those who are ‘pear’ shaped, perhaps teamed with a sarong.

If you are ‘apple’ shaped with broad shoulders and a small waist, a high neck line can draw attention to your waist and away from your shoulders.

Those without a tan will normally look better in darker coloured costumes whereas those who are tanned will look best in bright colours.


Bikinis.

If you want to show off a little more skin then a bikini is the best bet. As you can buy the briefs and tops separately any shape should be catered for. An underwired top can give extra support and a padded top can give the effect of more curves.

The Bikini has been a classic fashion item since it was launched in the 1940’s and there have been many variations on the design.

Tankinis.

A Tankini is basically a combination of a tank top with Bikini bottoms. It is less revealing than a Bikini and can be worn as day wear with the addition of a pair of shorts or a skirt. All types of briefs are available including high leg and low rise.

Tankinis are also suitable for those who wish to cover up from the sun leaving less skin exposed to apply sun cream to.


Choosing the best swimwear is like buying Lingerie: the most important thing it fits well. Other than that it is all personal taste.