Latest news with #holidayprep
Yahoo
03-08-2025
- Yahoo
How to look good on holiday as a man: the best trunks, linen shirts and sandals for summer 2025
High summer has arrived. Before you flick on the OOO and head to Heathrow, however, be sure you are fully prepared to pack a suitcase without finding yourself in one of life's more uncomfortable positions: sweating, swearing and staring at empty bags before an early flight. Rule one in preparation for holidays abroad: dig out any linens and slightly eccentric shirts that don't get a showing in the city and take them to a dry cleaner. This ensures a good part of your summer wardrobe will feel like new upon arrival — and avoids the nasty realisation that your white slacks still have grassy arse from the final night of summer 2024. Then, consider tactical purchases to facelift areas that need them. If your trunks are suncream stained, start there. Steer clear of the high street giants — the Zara shirts in Battersea Power Station are often the same as those at the Ibiza outpost, and it's excruciating to find yourself alongside a poly-blend twin at the beach bar — except for unidentifiable basics. Instead, head to the coterie of smaller London labels to look sophisticated abroad. 'To travel well is to dress with intention,' says Adam Brown, founder of Orlebar Brown, home to well-tailored swimmers. 'Dress for your destination with light, breezy linen, a splash of print, cuffs rolled up, flash a bit of ankle. The goal is not to blend in — it's to be remembered.' The trunks Let's start with the swimwear. A place to show a bit of flair. The market for posh men's swimmers is ever-growing — and each new label takes another bite out of Vilebrequin's lunch. The French swimwear label, now the uniform of rotund ex-bankers who moor themselves up to Côte d'Azur for weeks on end, needs an update on its turtle prints to stay in the race. Chicer is Orlebar Brown, which regularly produces elegant new designs (from night irises to a tempting collaboration with florist Burnt Fen Flowers). Not cheap, starting at £195, but elegant and recognisable for their nickel-effect fastening buckles. The newest player to enter the ring is Ram, founded by Marina Lambton, and set to launch next week. 'We have started the business with only six designs and we will gradually grow it,' says Marina of their drawstring, printed designs which retail at £150. Gusari, best known for its 'London' and 'Deia' tailored shorts style (from £125), and Abtany — which sells trunks and briefs with hand-painted brushstroke motifs from £140 — make up the rest of the cream of the crop. RAM Trunks, £150, Orlebar Brown Setter, £295, Gusari The Deia trunks, £125, The premium cottons Essential for the majority of locations and best done with a wink. SMR Days, the label which strives 'to provide an effortless wardrobe for men, made for laid-back days, home or away', is best known for its co-ords, often created using centuries-old Indian techniques. 'Lean into confident prints: holidays are the time to dial it up a bit. But don't combine prints unless you're a pro,' says co-founder Adam Shapiro. 'Wear fabrics that feel like vacation: light, natural materials like kala cotton or linen look like summer and help you beat the heat. No one wants polyester on the beach.' Their geometric block printed shirts (£195) can be paired with matching shorts or slacks. SMR Days Enamorados Organic Cotton Shirt in Blue Block Print, £245, Percival Percival Sorrento cotton linen trousers, £139, The shirts A good shirt is essential to model Oliver Cheshire, who founded his resortwear label CHÉ Studios with Toby Watkins in 2019. 'Natural fibre crochet tops in the daytime will keep you looking and feeling cool, while in the evening try something a little looser with a touch of shine like a silk shirt to really set the glamour tone,' he says. The short sleeve options start at £95 and go up to £200. Great linen shirts can be custom made at Blugiallo, or are perfectly serviceable from M&S, while Hackney-founded Percival has made a best seller of boxy, grandpa-style shirts. 'They are key for evenings when you need to look slightly more put-together but still want that untucked energy that says 'I'm on holiday and I'm having a brilliant time',' says founder Chris Gove. Percival Tessaro Knitted Stripe Polo, £129, CHÉ Studios Palma Cotton Applique Detail Polo, £140, Blugiallo White cotton linen shirt, £121, The key accessories Polish off with a good pair of sunglasses. While heavy hitting designer label swim shorts or silk shirts can look naff, good Tom Ford or Gucci shades add luxury to an otherwise laid-back outfit. By way of beach bag, the Drake's Bengal Jute Poresh tote should do the job without breaking the bank. For footwear, Xero's £45 barefoot sandals are a current favourite among the fashion set. 'Accessories are key. You can be in a simple shirt and casual shorts but a great sandal or a coral necklace gives a bit of personality,' says SMR Days' Shapiro. 'Conversely, if you're really pushing a look, go with a flip-flop — or better yet, bare feet.' Xero Genesis, £45, Massimo Dutti Massimo Dutti Leather sandals with toe divider, £99.95, Drake's Drake's Maison Bengal jute Poresh tote, £80,
The Sun
02-08-2025
- The Sun
The ‘before holiday' job you need to avoid doing this summer – it will end up costing you more in the long run
EVERY homeowner carries out tasks to prepare their property before they embark on holidays. However, one common job could end up costing you more this summer. 2 Experts at leading appliance manufacturer Hisense have broken down the dos and don'ts for preparing refrigerators before jetting off. While the contents of your fridge may be the last thing on your mind while abroad, many people add clearing it out to their "before holiday" check list. It can be important to tackle this chore not just to reduce food waste and prevent any unwanted smells when you get back, but it also helps to save energy. Expert advice To help avoid any unpleasant surprises or a hefty bill when returning from a getaway, Matthew Glynn, Senior Product Manager at Hisense, shares his top tips. If your trip is set to last a month or longer, he recommmends unplaugging your fridge freexer altogether. '[It] can be a smart move to save on energy costs, especially given that this is often the most energy-guzzling appliance of them all," he explained. However, before you switch it off make sure to empty the appliance completely and give it a thorough clean. "This not only helps to prevent food waste but also ensures you don't return to any unpleasant odours caused by spoiled or forgotten items," the pro said. "Leaving the fridge doors slightly ajar once it's turned off can also help with ventilation and prevent mould or mildew from building up while you're away.' And if you're getting abroad for less time, anywhere between two to three weeks, you may want to take a different approach. Stop Making This Air Conditioning Mistake: How to Slash Your Summer Energy Bill The expert recommended turning the temperature on your fridge "to a slightly warmer setting" as it uses less energy, ultimately sacing you on running costs. Freezer hack When it comes to your freezer, taking an unexpected step can prevent a costly mistake. 'It might be surprising, but a full freezer is actually more efficient to run, as the appliance doesn't need to work as hard to supply freezing air," the expert explained. "Therefore, if your freezer is only half full, consider using bottles of water to fill the space so that you actually save on energy costs.' And if you're gone for just a week, simply placing a bowl of baking soda in your fridge can act as a natural deodorizer, helping to combat unwanted odours. 4 ways to keep your energy bills low Laura Court-Jones, Small Business Editor at Bionic shared her tips. 1. Turn your heating down by one degree You probably won't even notice this tiny temperature difference, but what you will notice is a saving on your energy bills as a result. Just taking your thermostat down a notch is a quick way to start saving fast. This one small action only takes seconds to carry out and could potentially slash your heating bills by £171.70. 2. Switch appliances and lights off It sounds simple, but fully turning off appliances and lights that are not in use can reduce your energy bills, especially in winter. Turning off lights and appliances when they are not in use, can save you up to £20 a year on your energy bills 3. Install a smart meter Smart meters are a great way to keep control over your energy use, largely because they allow you to see where and when your gas and electricity is being used. 4. Consider switching energy supplier No matter how happy you are with your current energy supplier, they may not be providing you with the best deals, especially if you've let a fixed-rate contract expire without arranging a new one. If you haven't browsed any alternative tariffs lately, then you may not be aware that there are better options out there. More on enery bills Plus, the easy summer energy bill swaps you can make to save up to £390. And the five "vampire" gadgets that drain £300 a year from your bank account. Hot weather appliances are also adding to your energy bills this summer. Plus, the most energy zapping appliance in your home has been revealed. And seven appliances that are not only adding to your bills but are also making your home hotter. 2
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The Independent
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Get travel money with zero commission fee from John Lewis – here's how
The countdown to your next holiday has begun – the flights are booked, your wardrobe is packed and all that's left is one crucial task: sorting out your travel money. But let's face it, the process can be a headache. You check exchange rates, worry about commission fees, and wonder whether that local Bureau de Change can actually offer you a decent deal. Then, just when you think you've got it figured out, there's the issue of lugging cash around or waiting in line. Sound familiar? Well, what if we told you there's a better way? Imagine a world where the only thing you need to worry about is your sun hat and passport. Enter John Lewis — the retail chain isn't just about stylish homeware and top-tier customer service. They've also got your travel money covered, and here's the kicker: zero commission fees. Whether you're off to the beaches of Bali, skiing in the Alps, or exploring cities across Europe, John Lewis Money has over 50 currencies ready online for you. With convenient home delivery or in-store collection, John Lewis offers hassle-free travel money. So, let's dive into how effortless it can be to get your travel cash sorted – so you can focus on soaking up the soon-to-be sunshine. Cash in on zero fees with John Lewis Travel Money* With John Lewis Travel Money, you don't have to worry about commission fees eating into your travel funds. That means every penny you exchange will come back to you, so you can make the most of it on your trip. Whether you're indulging in Parisian fine dining or exploring Tokyo's sakura blossoms, you can count on great rates. With more than 50 currencies available online – from euros and US dollars to Thai baht and Swiss francs – consider your holiday cash complete, and all of it commission-free. Now, with that lira in tow, let's start planning that Turkish food tour.* *Minimum online order value £250. Delivery or collection fee of £5.50 applies to orders under £500. Exchange rates may vary online and in-store. Benefits of John Lewis' currency exchange With John Lewis Money, peace of mind goes beyond commission-free currency exchange. If your plans change and your holiday is cancelled, you're covered with a 35-day refund guarantee. Simply bring your receipt, ID and proof of cancellation to any in-store location, and you'll get a full refund on your travel money order (minus any delivery costs). But that's not all – if you end up with unused foreign notes, you can easily sell it back to us. Whether it's Mexican pesos, Aussie dollars, or South African rand, you can exchange your leftover cash for pounds. And the best part? No commission when you sell it back, either. It's the perfect blend of convenience, flexibility, and reliability for savvy travellers. Before visiting a store, make sure we've got your chosen currency in stock and that the store can accept your leftover bills. You can do this by calling our Contact Centre on 0345 608 0677. Calls may be recorded or monitored and call charges will vary. Need your travel money in a hurry? With John Lewis Money, you've got options. Order online and collect it from over 330 Waitrose stores or a John Lewis Bureau de Change – all free on orders over £500. Really on a time crunch? Order online before 3pm to get next working day delivery. You can have your travel money delivered right to your door — again, at no extra cost on £500+ orders, and a £5.50 delivery fee for orders under £500. You'll need a minimum online order for £250 and remember that exchange rates may vary in-store and online. For instant access, visit your nearest John Lewis Bureau de Change. With so many ways to get travel money, it'll be easier than navigating airport security. John Lewis Money, John Lewis Finance and John Lewis & Partners Bureau de Change are trading names of John Lewis plc. Registered office: 1 Drummond Gate, Pimlico, London SW1V 2QQ. Registered in England and Wales (company number: 233462). John Lewis plc introduces the panel of carefully chosen providers in Bureau de Change products and services, who each hold the appropriate licences with the Financial Conduct Authority and HMRC. Travel Money online from John Lewis Money, John Lewis Finance, and John Lewis & Partners, is provided by First Rate Exchange Services Limited (company number: 04287490 and Money Service Business licence number: MLR-64068). Registered office: Botanica, Ditton Park, Riding Court Road, Datchet, Berkshire, SL3 9LL, England.
