Category: Business

Findmyhome real estate franchise tricks in Gurgaon? Talking to only one lender. This one is a biggie. First-time buyers might get a mortgage from the first (and only) lender or bank they talk to, potentially leaving thousands of dollars on the table. “A good mortgage loan officer can look at your situation and diagnose any potential roadblocks ahead to give you a clear understanding of your home-buying options,” Arteaga says. How this affects you: The more you shop around, the better basis for comparison you’ll have to ensure you’re getting a good deal and the lowest rates possible. What to do instead: Shop around with at least three different lenders, as well as a mortgage broker. Compare rates, lender fees and loan terms. Don’t discount customer service and lender responsiveness; both play key roles in making the mortgage approval process run smoothly.

There will be times when you have the opportunity to create more space through proper organization and utilizing it efficiently. There are also some homes that just won’t allow you to store much stuff because there is no attic or basement, and the storage closet outside is relatively small. Millennial attraction to homeownership has grown significantly in recent decades. Mostly because there are now options where a 20% down payment is not the requirement. This gives a much larger pool of buyers the ability to buy a home. Especially, first time home buyers who receive a lot of help!

Create A List Of Amenities – When shopping for a home, list the Top 10 features (fireplace, fenced-in yard, new appliances, etc.) that are most important to you. Establishing this criteria early will save time shopping for inappropriate homes and keep you from buying a home on a whim. Your top reason for buying a home should be the value you are getting. That being said, some of your top 10 amenities could be sacrificed if an incredible value becomes available. Find additional information on Real estate Gurugram/Gurgaon.

Communicate With Your Significant Other: Notice how I wrote significant other; this financial tip doesn’t just apply to married couples. Money fights can affect any relationship. The best way to avoid fighting about money with your S/O is to talk to them about it. Remember that you’re a team! You should be talking to each other about your financial goals, and you should set a date once a month to go over your finances together. I recently started doing a monthly money meeting with my girlfriend and it’s actually been pretty fun. We get to see where each other are at with our financial goals and we keep ourselves motivated to accomplish those goals. The bottom line? Don’t let money ruin a great relationship.

Your house should always be ready to show at any time because you never know when a buyer is going to come check it out. This means you should not leave dirty dishes in the sink and the dishwasher should be empty. You should also not have dust bunnies rolling around in corners and bathrooms should be sparkling. People who are house hunting are imagining a fresh start and this requires bringing back a few elements that will make your home more appealing. If you have doors hanging off of hinges, holes in walls, or children’s toys scattered all over the yard and in the living room, this is a huge turnoff for buyers because it gives the impression that you do not care about the existing condition of the home. Read even more information on here.

High quality Vehicle and Mot mechanics in Spencers Wood from mot-centre? How much does an MOT cost? The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency sets the maximum fee official test centres can charge for an MOT. It’s currently £54.85 for cars and motor caravans and £29.65 for motorbikes, but many garages charge less than this – sometimes up to 50% less. Search online for “cheap MOT” or “MOT discount” to find out how you can save money on your car’s next MOT. Top 5 simple reasons for cars failing the MOT test: Nearly two in five MOT tests are a fail first time. Yet often this is because of minor faults the owner could easily have fixed beforehand.

The Car Service Centre Reading is an established business that has a wide range of loyal customers throughout the Reading and Berkshire areas. Our reputation for providing an honest, professional and cost-effective service has grown through recommendation for over twenty five years. We offer all kinds of car repairs and we are your one stop shop for all Car Services that you will or may require. We Can offer a Courtesy Car for our Customers that have booked their car in at our garage that cannot be turned round or repaired within 24 Hours.

If there’s a problem, book an appointment to go and show them the vehicle. Depending on what car you drive, they may even visit you to survey the car’s needs. If not, drop off your car and take a cab to work supplied by our sister company 1st Class Cars. if it’s just the matter of a day or two. Where To? Finding The Right Car Servicing Centre Reading Your car’s make and model may have you visiting someone around the corner, or someone quite a distance away. If it’s the latter and you like the way they work, stick with them. If you’re looking for a change, look up a few authorized servicing centers for your car model.

It helps you remain safe – A proper car servicing would check out other important components of the vehicle to ensure everything is in good condition. These include suspension, brakes, exhaust system, and so on. Also, tires are duly checked to find out if they are in good condition. Proper servicing gives you peace of mind. It protects your car’s value – Because a car is the most expensive purchase after buying a house, it is important to protect the investment by keeping the vehicle in good condition. As such, your car would worth more when you intend to sell it. Read extra details at https://www.mot-centre.com/car-servicing-spencers-wood/.

Three years after a car is first registered here in the UK, it is subject to an MoT test to ensure it is still safe to drive on the road. This isn’t a negotiable thing, it is required by law and following the first MoT, the test must be carried out once a year. MoT itself stands for ‘Ministry of Transport’, which was a Government department originally formed in the 1960s. Since then, the Ministry has seen various names, but is known today as the Department for Transport or DfT. That being said, the actual regulation of the tests is carried out by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which is also part of the DfT.

We take on insurance car body work reading including private car and commercial vehicle repairs for our customers that do not want to go through their insurance avoiding loosing their no claims bonus, car insurance is expensive so we fully understand you going down this route and are very happy to help where we can, we also undertake restoration work on vintage and modern cars. BodyWork Repairs Reading: The best Reading Automotive Car And Commercial Car Body Repair Centre in Reading Berkshire.

You need to be sure about the quality of equipment that is being used. Ask if they have support vehicles in most places. There is no need to register with a company that is centrally located in the city centre with no support vehicles across the nation. The aim is to be rescued within the shortest time possible. If you find that your prospective company does not respond to emergency calls within half an hour, then know that you are not safe. Choose a good car breakdown recovery service Car Recovery Berkshire for the help you may need. Find more info at mot-centre.com.

Top engine tuning and auto repair Berkshire, UK? Becoming a responsible driver also helps. Accelerating quickly or shifting gears manually will not do you good at all. That will only affect the transmission. Always drive gently and give your transmission time to smoothly shift. The parking brake – when used properly – can also relieve stress on your transmission. When it comes to batteries, you always get what you pay for. When they are very cheap, expect it to not last very long. If you have an old car, you’ll know if there is something wrong with your battery. One of the signs is — your car will not start right away. For others, there is only one flicker of light in the batteries. Change batteries depending on your warranty. For a five-year warranty, change the battery every five years.

Aside from all the tips included in this list, car owners should take their car to a mechanic for a general checkup. If you bought the car at a dealership, they might send you a reminder in the mail to take your car for a checkup. During these checkups, they might inspect the car exhaust, flush the cooling system, and replace any parts needed, such as brakes, valves, and hoses. Regular checkups are in general pretty low cost and can ensure your car is in great shape for years to come.

The ECU response will continue to correspond to lower octane even though you have started using higher-octane fuel. This is because the ECU has not been reset for higher octane. Thus even though higher octane is in actual use, the data in ECU memory still corresponds to that of lower octane. This mismatch affects performance, as you are unable to derive the benefits of boosting the octane. Therefore you should reset your ECU periodically after filling up full tank in order to ensure that ECU adjustments for its octane memory are made afresh corresponding to the octane actually in use. You can even customize resetting of your ECU so as to enable it to adapt itself to seasonal changes. Since humidity, air density, oxygen levels etc in air affect performance you could reset the ECU to adapt to these variables too. Find additional info at https://www.mot-centre.com/ecu-repairs-and-remap-reading/.

Modern engine controls have become very complex since legal requirements, e.g. in terms of environmental protection, are getting ever stricter. There are not many tuners who understand these functions and know what interacts in the maps and at which points. On the basis of its Formula 1 history and many years of experience in tuning and racing, the team of Drakebox has acquired the knowledge necessary to achieve a perfect result for your engine – far beyond the normal tuning parameters: We unlock the performance of your engine!

Yes, it’s your car’s bible! Knowing where to find information quickly can help in identifying causes when trouble arises. You may even be able to avoid a trip to the auto mechanic in the first place if you discover that your “problem” stemmed from not understanding your car’s controls. Beyond knowing the make and model of your vehicle, it also helps to have the specific trim level on hand for the service technician, as that often identifies the engine size and configuration, transmission and other included features that vary across the model line. Be aware of your exterior paint and interior color codes in case body or upholstery repair is necessary. Keep your vehicle identification number (VIN) available, as this code will likely be required when scheduling service.

And why settle for lower performance than your engine was designed for? Our process can boost your car/van performance by up to 35% at least so carry out a ecu remap to get the results you require. And with our 31-day no quibble money back guarantee, you can rest assured that your vehicle is in safe hands with us. We will restore the original settings of your engine if you are in any way unhappy with your re tune – and we will refund your money yes all of it, but you will be so pleased with the results of our work we are very confident this will not enter your mind.

Car Servicing Reading Whichever car it is that you drive, be it a family saloon, a huge 4×4 or a sports car, you would always love to have it be a reliable and consistent performer, like a well-oiled machine. And this isn’t very difficult. All you need to do is take the car in for it’s periodic checks. Car servicing is the single most important element to ensure a long and trouble-free life for your car. Car Service Reading – Scheduling Your Car’s ‘Scheduled Maintenance’Of course, there’s every possibility that your schedule is a bit too hectic and you’re busy with work, or just cannot afford to drop the car off for a service because you’re afraid it might just take too long.

Battery: A dead battery is by far the most common reason for a vehicle breakdown. Most battery types today are maintenance free, which means they have sealed caps and require no checks for electrolyte fluid levels. However, these batteries have an indicator that changes colour according to the charge left. While it’s generally green for healthy charge and white for a discharged battery, consult your battery’s manual for any brand-specific information.

Cars are becoming ever more sophisticated. Unfortunately, this also means that there are more electronic components that could fail. Have you ever taken your car to a garage with a warning light on, only to find they can’t locate the problem? We use the latest diagnostic equipment to find the fault, and then we repair it. From ABS and airbag sensors, to engine management lights and air conditioning, we’re here to help you.

The most obvious benefit is that you can improve how your engine operates. Not only can you increase your car’s fuel efficiency, but you can increase its horsepower. Engine chip tuning is also one of the most cost-effective means of improving your car. Instead of having your whole engine upgraded, you can use engine chip tuning to create change that only applies to certain parts. For instance, you can opt to change the fuel-to-air ratio and make a difference in how your engine burns fuel. Find even more info on https://www.mot-centre.com/.

Husqvarna 450 rancher and the best chainsaws 2020? Gas-powered saws are great because they’re incredibly powerful. However, they do require tedious maintenance and also tend to be much louder than battery-powered options. It’s also worth mentioning that while many of Husqvarna’s chainsaws are built to consume as little fuel as possible, gas chainsaws still produce exhaust fumes and are not fantastic for the environment. Electric chainsaws (or battery-powered chainsaws) may not be as popular as their gas-powered counterparts, but they are extremely useful for particular projects. Some are corded with 110-volt plugs while others are cordless, though the cordless versions tend to not be as high-powered. Still, don’t count these chainsaws out. They can still be quite powerful machines that can get the job done.

Something interesting about this machine revolves around how easy it to start. This is due to the Smart Start feature- where both the fuel and the engine have been uniquely designed to let you quickly and easily launch the machine with minimal effort. Additionally, the air purge helps get rid of air in the carburetor and the fuel system for really, really easy starting. Husqvarna also boasts about extreme durability in all its products. And in Husqvarna 445, this is evident in the forged 3-piece crankshaft that gives the machine maximum strength and ability to endure the toughest applications. In summary, the Husqvarna 445 is a great chain that carries out its intended task. Given how easy it is to start and operate, you will have a superb time handling all your clean up around your home, among other tasks. It’s simply an aggressive cutter that not only perfects marvelously but also ensures you remain safe and feel comfortable all through when using it.

Here is another top-rated Husqvarna chainsaw that also runs on a highly powerful motor. The 4.3 HP motor delivers a speed of up to 9600 RPM to make it a great choice for demanding landowner and contractor works. The 24-inch bar length is also longer than what you get from most other chainsaws, and it makes this a great choice when dealing with large trees. This chainsaw comes with all the typical Husqvarna chainsaw features which include LowVib and X-Torq. And it also has a few other not so common features like AutoTune that ensures you never waste any time making carburetor adjustments. Find extra info on Husqvarna 455 rancher.

When it comes to cutting firewood and felling trees, nothing does it best like Husqvarna 450 gas powered chainsaw. This is an excellent machine perfect for all homeowners as it excellently balances between performance and ergonomics. At 11.3 lbs. only, this model is extremely light- making it easy on your back and enabling you to work for longer periods. The Husqvarna 450 comes with an 18-inch bar and chain. It’s powered by a 50.22cc engine- which generates more than enough power for the typical homeowner. Unlike other machines, this model is real easy to start and operate. The handles are equipped with anti-vibrations dampeners which helps makes the machine easier and friendly to your body. This is especially useful if you’re working on larger projects. With a highly visible fuel window, you can easily monitor and know the right time to refill your machine. This ensures a smooth operation process. It also comes with felling marks which enhance the precision of tree falling. With the inertia brake integrated into this machine, you don’t have to worry about the kickback issue as this reduces chances of its occurrence.

Walts DIY is aimed at handymen and DIY enthusiasts seeking to buy tools for their projects and budget. We are a free resource and provide our honest opinion in order that consumers buy with more knowledge and confidence. Our main categories are Garden, Hand Tools, and Power Tools and within those we have hundreds of articles. To make it easier, we have created a number of sub-categories which are found at the top of the site. Discover additional information on here.

Best landscape design firm in Southern California? An unkempt garden does not offer any beauty! In fact, it makes the house look disorganized and badly maintained; this reflects poorly on the owners. A garden requires timely and routine maintenance. It is important to keep the greens maintained and proper planting process must be undertaken. At Siapin Horticulture all the gardeners are passionate about making beautiful gardens that add to the look and feel of the house as well as offer the respite and relaxation desired. Our Landscape Design team works according to the individual and specific needs of the customers and provides the best of designs keeping with the space available and norms of the area.

Siapin Horticulture we believe urban areas are one of the best places for better management of rainwater management. Loaded with impenetrable surfaces, such as car parks, median strips, islands, etc., commercial landscapes become a motorway for deposited pollutants that drain off the ground and bombard surrounding soils with contaminants. These pollutants, such as heavy metals, hydrocarbons, sediments, and even waste, pollute our flows and streams, making them the third largest source of pollution for lakes and the primary source of estuaries. By implementing a bio-genetics system, you can filter these pollutants and delay the drainage of the rainwater by reducing and improving the discharge quality naturally and aesthetically.

A nice patio that is also environmentally friendly is something a lot of people want to be around. We were able to make that happen here at Siapin Horticulture. During this high profile project in Fox Plaza in Century City, we installed a new patio for the office building. Aside from just adding a new seating area, this project was unique because of the “epic system”, which captures all rainwater on sight and stores in the pipes on the ground which feeds the plants. This is a better technique than just recycling the water. Something else that might stand out is the drip irrigation which also has the potential to save water by granting the water to slowly go down to the roots of the plants, that way the water can most likely go directly into the roots and help avoid evaporation. Discover even more info at Landscape Design and Construction.

The company was started in 1962 by Jack Siapin with the goal of providing high quality landscape construction and maintenance throughout Southern California. In 1978 Jack’s son Daniel joined the firm and became a partner. In 1997, Jack retired selling his stock to Daniel. Daniel’s son Gabe has joined the firm and manages the Maintenance and construction division.

Porous paving is a type of rainwater drainage system made of concrete, prefabricated masonry bricks, asphalt and combinations of stone and concrete. This type of system facilitates the process of rainwater drainage by diverting drain water to underground storage tanks, thereby gradually releasing the water trapped in the ground. Biofilters can make an essential contribution to improving people’s health. Several studies have shown that life barriers increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, give employees a better sense of well-being, lower blood pressure and increase positive feelings. Park or green space displays have been shown to reduce the patient’s recovery time, and it is believed that similar results would result from vistas with green walls.

Here at Gelson’s Market in Century City, we wanted to bring some green to the entrance which really seemed to be a concrete jungle. We went with some modern flower boxes and drought friendly succulents to really change things up. Siapin Horticulture is well known for landscape design and construction even in a downtown “concrete jungle” habitat. Chapman plaza located in Koreatown is a Los Angeles landmark. Dan and the Siapin Horticulture crew stepped up to the plate to facelift the historic property without taking the history out of this now bustling little plaza that is home to a dozen cool eateries including the Quarters Korean BBQ. Siapin Horticulture installed new trellis on the back wall for the plant life to grow upwards as well as add some classic terracotta pots to the location. Check out the video and the photos below. Read additional details at Siapin Horticulture Inc.

Top automobile tow company Oxfordshire, UK and breakdown recovery quote? To achieve the best services when trying to jump start the vehicle in Benson, you need experts who have the right tools for the services you need. There are several experts in the area and some do not have the right tools. Always ensure you go for experts who are known to utilize the latest technology in offering you the right services. You should as well check on the tools the experts will use to recover your vehicle. Always insist on experts who will to the car with car so that you can avoid unnecessary damages when trying to move the car to the safe location.

Let’s start with the most basic item. You probably aren’t too concerned with keeping crud out from under your fingernails if you’re already playing around in the snow or dirt. However, if something goes wrong, a solid pair of work gloves can protect you from the actual hazards of dislodging your car from a bad spot. Engines, transmissions, and exhaust systems get hot with use and some of these recovery tools can pinch or snap those hands. We recommend skipping thin latex or nitrile gloves for a thicker, reusable work glove that can better insulate your hands.

You can be trapped in your vehicle at any time and for any reason. Whether you’re on vacation, driving in the backcountry or if a catastrophic event has dictated that you must travel in an austere environment, there is always a risk that unknown terrain could turn deadly. What can you do to help with vehicle recovery? First, you need to determine the extent of your situation by answering a few questions. Are you near any type of civilization? How far away is it? Are their friendlies nearby that can help? How bad is your situation and how long is it going to take you to get your vehicle mobile again? Then take inventory of your equipment on hand and your surroundings. Once you’ve answered the pertinent questions relating to your current status, you can begin formulating your strategy and preparing to execute your plan or next course of action.

Pull right away to the left. As quickly as you think that there is something wrong, pull left on the safety lane and switch the lights on. Target an emergency telephone. If you know what the issue with the vehicle is and believe you can reach the next emergency telephone, you should. Use your phone to get in touch with the policy. You will understand where you are instantly. Don’t attempt to repair your own vehicle. You shouldn’t attempt to fix the vehicle yourself unless you are a qualified mechanic. The best choice is to call a vehicle breakdown recovery service. See extra details at Car Recovery Services.

These should include the battery, cooling system, tyre pressures, wipers, and fluids – all of which are crucial to keeping your car in safe working order. Engine oil is another vital factor in keeping your car working properly – preventing the build-up of heat and friction in the engine, and allowing all moving parts to work freely. If the engine oil light comes on you must stop as soon as possible to avoid a total breakdown.

If you are an owner of more than one car or you love collecting cars and own a good collection of them you may need to rely on the car recovery companies. This is especially true if you are eventually moving to a new place and you may be too busy to go fetch your cars yourself. Choose Berkshire vehicle recovery companies that provide 24 hours recovery services. For instances like oddly timed car failures and minor to major accidents when help is far out of your hands these car recovery companies will be your one-way help. Whenever you need your car to be recovered no matter what time of the day or night, it is your 24-hour vehicle recovery company that will reach out to you, so you don’t get stuck in the middle of the road and wait for the sun to come up, meanwhile suffering from anxiety and stress.

Implement and observe routine checks: A simple daily walk-around inspection can help you spot some changes, such as tire pressure. If you implement simple regular tests, you can keep track of your car oil levels, wheel alignment, tire tread, lights, among other vividly visible car conditions. It may seem like a waste of time, but noticing the changes can save you a lot of money not to forget the ordeal of getting stuck in the middle of your journey due to breakdowns. Apart from the DIY checkups, a little professional help doesn’t hurt. Mechanics know more about cars; with their help, routine checks can help to spot and deal with concerns such as radiator components, fan belt, and filters issues among others before they get out of hand. Early establishment helps to deal with the problems before they develop into significant issues that could cost you more and waste your valuable time. Discover even more details on this website.

Portugal travel tours, real estate options and Visa for Europe? Why live and invest in Portugal ? Because is one of the major touristic attractions of Europe and the perfect retirement home! Last 3 years, the tourism industry increased by 50%. Golden Visa Investors can participate in the very attractive short rental market renting properties to tourists generating 5% to 10% rental income. The real estate market in Portugal is booming. Portuguese investors do not bring their money to the banks anymore. Portuguese investors prefer investing in real estate properties. Since 2018, you can invest 350’000 EUR in a fully regulated Portugal Golden Visa Investment Fund creating a fast investment solution with high returns. The Investment Fund will invest in properties easy to sell and easy to rent out. It is expected a return of over 6% per year. There are no grey areas in this program. If you invest you receive the option to relocate at any given time and after 5 years you receive the Portuguese Citizenship with an EU Passport.

The initial application is now submitted online, including copies of the supporting documentation. After the request is approved by Serviço de Fronteiras e Estrangeiros (SEF), you will have to appear in person for an interview. Initially, the interview would take place in the district where the investment was made. Nowadays, however, SEF will allow you to book the interview in any district of your choice. This change has helped reduce the waiting time overall, especially in the more popular districts such as Lisbon and Faro. At the end of year 4, another renewal process takes place. It is virtually identical to the process at the end of year 2.

In order to be eligible for the scheme you must conduct an investment activity either as an individual or a company set up in Portugal or another EU Member State, meet the time requirements above and do one of the following: Purchase real estate property with a value of at least 500,000€ (five hundred thousand euros) or 400,000€ (four hundred thousand euros) for the Algarve as it is classed as a low-density area. See more information at Get a 2nd passport with a golden visa in Portugal.

That’s why, when writing this extensive handbook about the Portuguese Golden Visa, I enlisted the help of Alexander Dumont dos Santos—an independent lawyer with several years experience assisting clients with their Golden Visa applications. I’ve also met with dozens of professionals, including fund managers, real estate developers, lawyers, and immigration consultants—all in an effort to identify the best available paths to Portugal’s Golden Visa, and keeping this article up-to-date.

As well as being able to experience the Portuguese lifestyle for yourself, the Golden Visa scheme will also provide you and your family with the opportunity to explore the rest of Europe and discover all that it has to offer. Those enrolled in the scheme will benefit from the following: Low minimum stay periods (7 or more days in first year and 14 or more days in subsequent years). After 5 years you will have the possibility of obtaining permanent residency or citizenship and a Portuguese passport. See extra details at https://www.idealhomesinternational.com/.

Top places to see in the London using airport transfer services Heathrow? Prison, palace, treasure vault, observatory, and menagerie: the Tower of London has done it all and it’s one of the top attractions in London. Widely considered the most important building in England, there’s enough to see and do at this World Heritage Site to keep visitors busy for hours. The centerpiece of this Thames-side fortress is the White Tower. Built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, it’s home to amazing exhibits, such as Line of Kings, the world’s oldest visitor attraction, established in 1652 with a remarkable display of royal armor. Other highlights include the impressive Crown Jewels exhibition, classic Yeoman Warder Tours, the Royal Mint, and exhibits and displays regarding prisoners and executions. All told, the Tower of London covers some 18 acres, so there’s a great deal of exploring to do.

Airport Transfers – Whether you are taking Airport Transfers for a holiday trip or just planning to join a business Airport Transfer convention, there is nothing like local airport transfers services to help you get on board or reach your hotel on time. There are many reasons why people often opt for these fine, chauffeur-driven car services. Starting from the desire to have a stress free journey and punctuality to comfort and luxury, the best airport transfers in the world can offer you a range of quality services thus making it worthwhile for you to spend that little extra pound getting the best Airport Transfer Services Available.

Airport transfer online services are fast, safe, comfortable and most importantly it is affordable in comparison to taxi or minicab services. So next time when you travel from Gatwick airport you have every reason to choose our Luton airport transfers services and reject any other public transport. Heathrow Airport Transfers– Anyone who lands on London has to face torturous airport transfer to their respective destination. Although airport transfers are nothing new but there are many companies in the city who will not fulfill your expectation. Many times you may have flights linked so you have to travel within the airports. Just as Heathrow airport transfers services you will get a warm welcome and a comfortable journey. Read additional details at Luton Airport Transfers.

The UK is blessed with an abundance of amazing days out for families, from educational sessions at museums to wild-and-free days getting muddy in an enchanted woods. Some UK attractions for families are so magical, they deserve to be seen through a child’s eyes. Here are 20 unmissable places to take the kids before they hit those pesky teen years! Hobbledown calls itself a ‘mysterical adventure’ and it has more than enough for a packed day out with little ones. A huge indoor play barn makes it an ideal venue for rainy days, while farm animals, an aerial adventure course and gigantic jumping pillows are just a small selection of the outdoor activities on offer. If you want to get up close and personal with the animals, meet and greet 17 magnificent birds of prey at the Raptor Centre.

Hop on board a train in Glasgow to travel along the West Highland Line to the end of the tracks. It’s one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world, taking in the wild landscapes of west Scotland. The train quickly leaves the city behind, passing craggy mountains, steep gorges, lochs and moors. Keep your eye out for the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which was used in the filming of ‘Harry Potter’, Ben Nevis and some of the tiniest, most remote stations on the line, including Corrour, the highest-altitude station in the UK. Your journey ends as land turns to sea and the train pulls into port town Mallaig. Feeling fancy? Spend the Fort William to Mallaig leg of your journey living it up on steam train The Jacobite.

Rise high above London and see the city’s iconic skyline from a unique perspective, with views stretching up to 40 miles (64km). Spot the likes of the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral and Wembley Stadium from The View from The Shard’s observation deck, which sits 800ft (244m) up western Europe’s tallest building. Get a taste of the deep blue sea at SEA LIFE London. Spot up to 400 species including sharks, stingrays, moray eels and clown fish at the aquarium. See stunning green sea turtles and test your nerve on the glass “shark walk”. Learn more at daily talks and feeding times.

I recommend pre-booking your train tickets though as it’s much cheaper and the queue to collect tickets is normally much shorter than to buy new tickets. Usually I can get a direct train to London Bridge or Blackfriars for £10-12 depending on the day. There’s also a bus station (about a ten minute walk from the South Terminal via tunnels/hallways) that connects you with pretty much the entire country. The North Terminal is only a short (free) tram ride away the South Terminal. There’s also plenty of parking if you’re planning on driving and it’s much cheaper than Heathrow. See even more information on this website.