With the peak holiday months around the corner, if you are a diving enthusiast, you must be planning your summer diving trip. Here are some useful tips to help make this trip a huge success.

First, what type of holiday are you planning for? Are you taking a diving break or are you an experienced diver? Will you participate in other activities during your holiday besides diving? You could be celebrating a honeymoon, birthday or wedding (for celebrations we recommend Turtle Island Borneo which is a beautiful park full of turtles) and summer is the perfect time to do that but you need to plan accordingly for the best results. Here’s what you need to do.

1. For First Timers

If you are a newbie to diving, you need to choose the right diving course and location. You can take an easy, one day course that teaches you the basics. Alternatively, you can choose more courses that run over a few days to help you become a better diver.

2. Family Holidays

If you are going on holiday with your family, you might feel a bit limited when it’s time to finally go diving. You might feel overwhelmed especially when you are trying to balance everyone’s interests. Well, you can opt for a diving course where you can participate as a family and enjoy the entire adventure together.

3. Underwater Benefits

Diving is always a great adventure but during the summer months, the diving conditions are perfect. Going out for that dive will expose you to an entirely new world of marine animals. You can check out the coral reef habitats and watch the turtles and sharks. You will definitely make a lot of memories in your next diving trip.

4. What To Do When You’re Not Diving

You should choose an ideal diving location that allows you to do other things when you are not diving. You can enjoy the various retreats and hikes as well as relax in your hotel room without any hassles. You should research whichever location you need for the best results.

Once you have chosen a particular diving destination, you need to think about your packing too. You don’t have to pack everything and ruin the trip dragging a lot of things around. Here are some packing tips to consider for your next diving trip.

You don’t need to buy all the diving gear before going on the trip. You can rent the diving equipment at a more affordable fee. You need to check the weather forecasts in the diving destination to make sure there are no drastic changes that might affect your diving plans.

You should have the right gear and make sure you pack both hot and cold weather gear. If you are bringing your own diving gear, you should write down a list to make sure you remember everything you need to bring.

5. How To Manage Jet Lag

If you have to fly to a different time zone to get to your diving destination, you need to prepare yourself for the jet lag. You need to remain hydrated and make sure you are exposed to as much natural light as possible. You should also sleep prior to traveling to avoid getting tired.

6. Planning Your Costs Accordingly

You need to know how much currency to take and have a buffer amount in your budget to handle any extra costs. If you have a tour package check what is excluded so you don’t get any surprises. Don’t forget to allocate some money for your transportation.

7. How To Make The Best Memories

Whether it’s your first time diving or the umpteenth time, you need to find time to record your experiences. You can find some underwater photography equipment or ask to rent anything while you’re at the destination to help you record your experiences. Looking at all these experiences should be your motivation to plan your next diving trip.

In this article, we will be providing you with a tonne of useful information that can help you get the most out of your visit to Egypt and to ensure that you have a smooth trip from knowing how to behave to local customs to staying healthy.

What vaccinations are needed for visiting Egypt?

Before travelling to Egypt you should consult with your health practitioner to get medical advice and to make sure that you get all of the required vaccinations. As a guide, we strongly recommend Rabies, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Diphtheria, and Tetanus.

Is it safe drinking Egypt’s tap water?

Actually, Egypt’s tap water is safe to drink. However, it is heavily chlorinated, s we don’t recommend that you drink it since it can upset your stomach. Bottled mineral water is widely in restaurants, shops, and hotels, and it is inexpensive. There are no problems with using tap water to shower and brush your teeth in Egypt.

What is Egypt’s food like?

Egyptian cuisine features succulent vegetables, fish, and grilled meats so it has something that will appeal to most people’s taste. However, it is a good idea to take a few precautions to avoid having stomach issues while you are on holiday. Since the tap water is highly chlorinated it is recommended that you avoid having salads unless you are on an upscale cruise boat, hotel, or restaurant. All foods should be piping hot. That will ensure that it has been cooked correctly. You should avoid eating any food that looks like it has sat around for a while.

It is common to bargain in Egypt

Haggling over prices and bargaining is a fundamental aspect of shopping in Egypt’s bazaars and markets. Vendors often significantly inflate their prices so that following a back-and-forth exchange that the final price that is agreed on will be suitable for both parties. The key here is to start low and then work your way up but also have a maximum amount that you are willing to pay in mind at all times.

Things To Shop For In Egypt

Egypt is truly a virtual Aladdin’s Cave. Although the Khan al-Khalili bazaar in Cairo is huge and full of both everyday and unusual objects, there is also an abundance of smaller bazaars and souks in other towns as well. Some of the best items to buy include authentic papyrus, clothing, Egyptian cotton sheets, Pharaonic items fashioned in alabaster and marble, handcrafted shisha pipes, backgammon boards, mosaic mirrors and lamps, leatherwear, brass wear, and cotton shirts.

Etiquette and Cultural Hints

It isn’t just women who need to consider the way they dress when they visit Egypt, it also is best for men to have their shoulders covered and wear trousers to be in line with the way Egyptian men dress. It is only acceptable to wear shorts at beach resorts. However, it is surprising that so many people who visit Egypt ignore that. When a mosque is visited both women and men must be completed covered up. Women also are required to wear headscarves. Before entering, don’t forget to remove your shoes.

Is Egypt a suitable destination for a family holiday?

Yes, absolutely! The amazing tombs, temples, and pyramids are sure to fascinate both old and you with their impressive workmanship and complex history. Children with go home after their Egyptian holiday with their imagination stimulated and their minds opened. There are also many exciting experiences that Egypt offers from felucca boat trips down the Nile to camel rides, so your kids are sure to stay entertained. If you do fancy a Nile cruise holiday, be sure to contact Egypt Escapes to find a holiday for all the family.

What is Egypt’s currency?

The Egyptian Pound (LE) is Egypt’s currency. It is divided into 100 piastres. There are banknotes that are available in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, and 5.

How much do things cost in Egypt?

Egypt is a highly price-competitive destination. In fact, in 2015 it was ranked as the second cheapest country in the world for international visitors based on purchasing power parity, taxes, and hotel prices. Dining out and food is a bit more in comparison, and expect to pay about USD $10 for inexpensive meals at restaurants, whereas an upscale three-course meal will probably cost about $30.

Are you planning to make substantial changes to your house? Well, in most places, you are going to need planning permission and in this post, we are going to discuss a few important things that you need to know.

There are Various Types of Permission

The kind of planning permission required depends on the type of project. If it is a residential extension, for example, you will need to apply for Householder Planning Permission. If your house is a listed building, you will need Listed Building Consent. Once you know what type of permission is required, you can apply either through the Planning Portal site or via post, also take into consideration a noise survey, to extinguish any possible complaints

Not all Projects Require Planning Permission

Permission development or PD rights mean that you can proceed with some types of construction work without planning permission. Maisonettes and flats do not have permission development rights and so, you cannot do any building work without planning permission. Most houses, on the other hand, do have PD rights. However, if you reside in a national park or a conservation area, then your permission development rights will be limited. The same applies if your property is a listed building.

Before embarking on major renovations or construction projects, it is important to contact the local planning authority for advice. The planning experts will be able to tell you about anything that may hinder your project and let you know if you will need to apply for permission in order to proceed.

The Local Authorities Offer Pre-application Advice

If your project is not covered by planning development, you will need to make a planning application. It is advisable to discuss the application with the local planning authority before submitting it so that you can know whether it has a shot of approval. The feedback you will receive is non-binding, but it will give you an idea of what to expect and whether you should tweak it before submitting.

You Need to Submit Plans as Part of the Permission Application

Most applications require you to submit at least two plans as supporting documents, this will enable you to carry on in regards to seeking planning permission. The first is the location plan, which indicates the physical location, as well as the surrounding area and the second, is the site plan, which displays the development proposal in detail.

In addition to this, you will need to pay a fee for the application and the amount will depend on the kind of development you are planning. For example, applying for Householder Planning Permission in England costs around £170

The Decision Process Takes Time

The local planning authority department has to check whether your proposal has all the information required and will let you know if something is missing.

Most applications are decided within two months, but if the application is complex or large, it may take up to 3 months.

Important Considerations

The local planning authority is going to consider several ”material considerations” when making a decision on your application. These include overshadowing or loss of light, loss of privacy, traffic, noise, parking, and highway safety. They will ideally look at the concerns of your neighbours, even though the negative effects on value and loss of view aren’t relevant to planning.

There are Numerous Conditions

If your plan application is approved, ensure you adhere to the conditions attached. For instance, you may have to get specific approval aspects of your project like materials to be used. The authority usually gives reasons for these conditions. You must adhere to all reasons and make changes where possible to enable your work to continue.

If Your Plan Application is Rejected, You Can Appeal

If the application has been rejected or accepted with conditions that you find unreasonable, you can speak to the local planning authority about the issue. You can submit an amended application and this is usually done with additional costs. In order to amend and resubmit the application, you should use the Planning Portal Service.

These are the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to planning permission.

Although many people dream of becoming HGV drivers, only a few succeed in the career. The first step to driving these massive vehicles is by taking the required training and passing the HGV tests like those offered by The LGV Training Company. Passing the test means you can drive the HGV professionally, or so you may think. Although you might have passed the test, mastering the art of driving such heavy vehicles takes time. If you are a first time HGV driver and anxious about it, here are a few tips and ideas to help you on your first drive.

1. Be Ready

Proper planning and preparation are essential if you are to succeed as an HGV driver. This is not all about driving from one point to the next. A whole lot of factors come into play – anything can go wrong when you least expect it. You need to know what needs to be done when the worst happens, and if there’s an issue. Planning for the journey can however help avoid inconveniences and other issues that the road or route might present. First, you need to have a look at the route, alternative routes, rest stops, and refuelling points. Always have a backup plan (especially on the route) ready before setting off.

2. Stay Hydrated

You need to be at your best (health wise) before setting off. Although you might be physically fit, you need to drink lots of water to help ensure you are hydrated all through the journey. It would also be wise to take a bottle or two of drinking water with you. According to research, dehydration is one of the primary causes of dizziness, tiredness and lack of concentration, among other issues. Drinking plenty of water can make the difference between staying alert through the journey and causing an accident due to poor concentration or tiredness. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water. Have the water bottle within reach and take sips as you drive. This will help prevent dehydration.

3. Check The Weight And Height Of Your Vehicle

As a professional driver, you need to know every aspect of your vehicle including its weight, and most importantly, height. The internet is already filled with pictures of HGV’s stuck at bridges because a driver tried to fit the vehicle through too small a space. While you may be a newbie driver, don’t make this mistake. Checking the height and weight of the vehicle will help you avoid roads with narrow and low bridges. In addition to this, you have a responsibility to take care of the vehicle and other people’s property as well. As long as you are aware of your vehicle, you’ll be able to avoid situations before they happen.

4. Learn to Take a Break

Most newbie HGV drivers will want to complete or deliver cargo within the shortest time possible. Although this might be a nice gesture, employers recommend taking a break when you feel tired. Most employers will even recommend taking a break after driving for a certain period. You are required to stop the vehicle, get out of the vehicle, walk around, or even grab a cup of coffee. This should help stretch your muscles and get the blood moving again. This is also recommended if you feel tired and drowsy while on the road. Be sure to get enough rest, especially sleep, to be able to stay alert on the road.

5. Communicate

Although you might know this already, most HGV drivers are lonely. This is because they clock dozens of hours on the road with no one to communicate with or a loved one to see. For this reason, it is advisable to keep in contact with various people alongside your family. This includes the traffic office, end clients, and those organising pick-ups and drop-offs. Learning to keep in touch with the office, clients, and other organisers help build a good relationship, and also reduces the boredom. This way, you will be able to concentrate on work without your mind drifting away.

You just took and passed your HGV licence tests! Congratulations, now you are prepared to go out and work as a professional HGV driver for the first time. There will be a learning curve, like with all other jobs, and as time goes on you will continue to improve. Being  new, it makes sense to benefit from the wisdom of experienced HGV drivers who have gone before you. Here are 5 useful tips for beginner HGV drivers whether you’re a newly qualified with a C1 licence or a C+E licence. 

Be Prepared

Thorough and proper planning is critical to your HGV driving success. Although you may think your new job is just a matter of driving from point A to point B, there are actually many things that could potentially go wrong, could change suddenly, or cause issues in general. However, if you take the time to plan thoroughly for every journey you take, then you are much less likely to have problems. That means your journey isn’t just origin and destination points. Instead, you will need to factor in refuelling, rest stops, and alternative routes just in case you encounter bad traffic or an accident. You also need to plan for any stops that need to be taken on the trip.

Stay Hydrated

This may seem like a strange tip, but it is important. To be a great HGV driver, it is important to take good care of yourself. It is very important to look after your health. Water is absolutely essential for human survival, and if you become dehydrated it can cause many problems for you, including loss of alertness, dizziness, and tiredness. Those are all bad things for an HGV driver who is out on the road. So make sure to invest in a large, refillable water bottle, and always keep it inside your cab. Sip on water throughout the course of the day instead of waiting until you feel thirsty. Thirst is actually your body’s way to tell you it is already dehydrated.

Check Your Vehicle’s Height

One of the largest newbie mistakes that an HGV driver can make is attempting to drive a vehicle through a space that is not big enough for it. Usually, this occurs under bridges and many embarassing photos have been posted online by annoyed drivers trying to work around an HGV that is blocking the bridge. As an HGV driver, it is your responsibility to prevent damage and accidents involving your vehicle as well as other people’s and council property. So be sure that you know your vehicle’s height and weight, and make the appropriate decisions. If you ever think a gap may be too tight – don’t attempt it.

Take Breaks

Your employer will frequently remind you that you are required each shift to take a certain number of breaks, and they need to be for a certain amount of time. Pay close attention and be sure to take them. We understand it can be very tempting to try to work through it, especially when you are on a tight deadline or are running late. However, when it is time for you to take a break, be sure that you stop your HGV vehicle and actually take your break. Grab a coffee, stretch your legs, walk around. If you ever start to feel drowsy while you are driving, take a break right away.

Communication is Key

It can be very lonely to be an HGV driver, so at least keep in touch with somebody on a regular basis. However, in this situation, we are talking about communicating with the people who are organising drop-offs and pick-ups, your end clients, and the traffic office. Investing time in developing good relationships will help your work run much smoother.

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