travel

Buying a new car is an enormous purchase, and there is a lot to think about. In addition to the make, model, and, of course, price, one thing that should not be overlooked is additional features. While many can be ignored, there are a few that are worth the additional cost if you can afford it when buying a new car.

Heated Seats

Once you have had heated seats, it is hard to imagine how you ever managed before. This is particularly true during those freezing winter mornings in the UK, so if you live in a cold area, this is certainly an upgrade that is worth the extra cost!

 Spare Tyres

It is important to be aware that not all new cars will come with a spare tyre as standard, and instead, you will get a “run-flat” which can only drive a certain distance (to the nearest garage). You should never be driving around without a spare tyre as this could leave you stuck on the side of the road for a long time. Therefore, you should pay extra for a spare tyre or buy tyres online so that you always have one in the boot – it is also worth teaching yourself how to change a tyre if you do not know already.

Wireless Charging Pad

Being able to charge a smartphone or tablet in the car is a major plus, but USB charging can be slow and inefficient. This is why it is worth paying extra for a wireless charging pad that will charge a phone or tablet much faster. Additionally, most of the newest smartphones available today can be charged this way. These pads are particularly useful if you use your phone for navigation or streaming music while in the car.

Blind Spot Detectors

Safety features are always a wise investment, especially as they can help an anxious motorist feel more secure on the road and prevent accidents. Among these, blind spot detectors stand out. These advanced sensors detect vehicles in your blind spot and alert you, ensuring you don’t endanger yourself or other road users when changing lanes or merging onto the motorway. It’s a feature that’s worth every penny for the peace of mind it brings.

These are a few upgrades that are always worth the extra cost when purchasing a new car. It might be tempting to cut corners where possible to keep your costs down, but the above upgrades can greatly enhance your driving experience and daily lifestyle.

Faro, the capital of Portugal’s Algarve region, is a popular holiday hotspot for those seeking historical charm, immaculate coastline, and immense greenery. Whether you’re looking to plan a brief sojourn or a week-long excursion, the city provides an abundance of opulent experiences for a luxury getaway like no other.

In this guide, we take a look at how you can orchestrate the perfect luxury trip to Faro that you’ll never forget.

Choosing where to stay in Faro

There’s no shortage of places to stay in Faro thanks to its booming tourism industry. Accommodation ranges from modern apartments to five-star hotels and luxury beach resorts.

If you’d prefer to be surrounded by the city’s history, look no further than the Old Town. With medieval buildings and cobbled streets, it’s a beautiful place to call your home for the duration of your trip. Choose from guesthouses, boutique hotels, and apartments hidden away amidst incredible architecture.

If you’d rather wake up next to crystal-clear waters, consider staying close to Faro Marina. Not only do you get easy access to local amenities but you also have waterfront views that include luxury yachts and boats.

For those who don’t mind travelling a little further to Vilamoura, you’ll find amazing accommodation like Tivoli Marina Vilamoura Algarve Resort and Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort. These are top picks due to their superior service, world-class spa facilities, and excellent dining options.

What to do in Faro

Since you’re located directly on Portugal’s southern coastline, there’s no better option than to head out on the open waters. Indulge in a life of luxury by hiring a private charter along the Algarve coast, looking out in awe at the beautiful landscapes with a drink in hand. You’ll also have the option to swim or snorkel with marine life in the azure blue waters.

If being up close with nature is more your thing, then a dolphin-watching and cave tour is the perfect activity to add to your itinerary. Head off on a private excursion with a guide as you experience close encounters with Faro’s inhabitants and discover incredible cave formations. Who knows? You may even learn something new.

For those looking to just relax on the beach and acquire a sun-kissed glow, Faro has numerous golden sand beaches. As they are often located out of the way, you’ll find that they are quiet with just the lapping of waves to be heard. The best beaches in Faro include Praia de Faro, Praia da Ilha Deserta,  and Praia do Farol.

Getting around Faro

From the moment you step foot in Faro, you want your journey to be as comfortable and stress-free as possible. To ensure convenience, look to organise a private Faro airport transfer to your destination. This will guarantee you get dropped off directly at your accommodation and you won’t need to share with any other passengers. These professional services will also be able to help you with your luggage and offer advice about places to visit during your stay.

Should you wish to not drive during your stay, you can easily walk to all of the main attractions in Faro’s Old Town. As this is a pedestrian-friendly area, the walk is very pleasant and allows you to pass by the shops. There are also plenty of taxi ranks to catch a lift or you can simply book a cab on the Uber app.

A large number of the beaches in Faro are on barrier islands, meaning you’ll need to get a speedboat or ferry. The pier can be found close to the marina at Rua da Porta Nova. It is here where you can buy your tickets and look for departure times.

Eating out in Faro

The food in Faro is what can only be described as a mix of national Portuguese and regional Algarve dishes. Given how close Faro is to the sea, it’s no surprise that the food here is very seafood-focused but you’ll also find some interesting meat dishes too.

Restaurants in Faro cater to all but where it really excels is in its selection of upmarket restaurants. Eateries that are a must-visit include Restaurante Ria Formosa, Checkin Faro by Leonel Pereira, and the Michelin-star Restaurante Alameda. From five- or seven-course meals to tasting menus, your taste buds are sure to experience flavours like never before.

And as you’re well connected with other parts of the Algarve, you have the option to venture out to other foodie meccas for dishes like piri-piri chicken in Guia and fresh seafood in Olhão. No matter where you decide to go though, you must try local dishes such as cataplana, oysters, and javali. Also, don’t forget to try one of Portugal’s signature foods, pastel de nata, a delicious pastry filled with custard – you can’t leave until you’ve had one!

During the COVID-19 pandemic, British holidaymakers were forced to avoid air travel. This limited our options. But at the same time, it allowed us the opportunity to enjoy a different kind of holiday: a domestic one.

The staycation enjoyed a boom in popularity – and it remains a go-to choice for many holidaymakers.

What is a staycation?

There’s a special term for a holiday that we take without leaving the country: the staycation. A staycation affords us many advantages. It tends to be more affordable than a foreign trip, which means we can take many breaks of this kind over a given year. Staycations are also convenient, because they allow us to avoid the hassle of passport control and air travel. What’s more, they allow us to appreciate the natural and cultural treasures that exist in our own backyards.

According to a recent survey, more than half of British holidaymakers take a staycation every year, and spend an average of £875 each while doing so.

Different types of staycation

Having taken the decision to take a domestic holiday, you’ll have to decide what kind of staycation you’d like to have. Your choice of accommodation will tend to matter a great deal. You might book a hotel, or an Airbnb. On the other hand, if you’re looking to cut costs, you might look at a campervan or motorhome. If you know that you’re going to be taking many holidays of this kind, then investing in your own motorhome might be worthwhile. Make sure that you factor in all of the associated costs. Motorhome insurance is usually a worthwhile investment as it’s highly specialised, and will cover your contents as well as the vehicle itself.

Destinations

Let’s consider a few parts of the UK you might want to visit.

Cornwall

The southwest is synonymous with the classic seaside adventure. You’ll get amazing surf throughout the year, as well as picturesque towns and beaches. During summer, this part of the country tends to be a major draw for tourists, thanks to the hospitable weather, and the hospitable people.

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is a region synonymous with English idyll. Travel through the region, and you’ll come across picturesque villages, quaint little churches, and neat hedgerows that divide stretches of lush farmland. It’s particularly appealing to hikers during summertime – particularly those commuting from nearby London.

Scotland

If you’re looking for a remote experience, then it’s difficult to beat the Highlands of Scotland. Soaring peaks, deep lochs, and winding hillside passes make this a spectacular part of the country, ripe for exploration on two wheels. If you’d like your holiday to be as secluded as possible, you might think about a trip to some of the more remote islands that surround the west coast.